Two years have passed since the October 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and left 250 in captivity. On the anniversary, a vigil called "Run For Their Lives" was held at UNLV’s amphitheater to call for the release of hostages still in Gaza. Residents from the Henderson and Summerlin chapters of the "Run For Their Lives" organization attended the event.
Dozens attended the vigil, many wearing red to show unity. Elizabeth Breier, who leads the Henderson chapter, said, "I hope that they understand that it’s important to have some empathy and compassion and caring for those who are in a situation like this," according to 8 News Now. Emily King, President of Hillel, and Gregory Brown, a UNLV professor and co-chair of the UNLV Task Force for Jewish Identity and Inclusion, were also present.
The October 7 attacks continue to affect the Jewish community, impacting the celebration of Sukkot. Rabbi Ilana Greenfield Baden of Temple Sinai noted the challenge of observing the holiday amid the tragedy, and Rabbi Nachum Meth of Community Kollel of Greater Las Vegas said, "That sticks with people for a lifetime." Discussions between President Donald Trump and Hamas have not yet led to the release of hostages, with 48 still held as of last Saturday. Rising antisemitism has also been reported, Rabbi-Cantor Jessica Hutchings of Congregation Ner Tamid said. Religious leaders plan a combined October 7 remembrance event at Temple Beth Shalom after Sukkot, with Stefanie Tuzman, president and CEO of Jewish Nevada, stating, "There is no moving forward until every last one of them is home," as reported by Las Vegas Review-Journal.
