In a moving display of unity and solidarity, community members, elected officials, and religious leaders gathered at dawn in Beverly Hills Garden Park today to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the tragic October 7th, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.
The sunrise commemoration, hosted by the Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN), featured prayers, solemn reflection, and heartfelt remarks, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength of the Israeli people, the shared pain with the American people, and the importance of the special relationship between the United States and Israel.
At 6:29 AM, the precise time when the attacks began in Israel’s local time, the park fell silent in a shared moment of reflection, followed by the sound of the shofar, blown by Rabbi Jonathan Aaron of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, symbolizing both grief and hope.
“Western democracies are addicted to the status quo. It blinds them. Therefore, appeasement becomes their ruling strategy,” said Consul General Bachar.
“We learned on October 7th that the enemy’s goal is to change the status quo, not to maintain it."
Speakers included John Mirisch, Beverly Hills Councilmember and ICAN Chief Policy Officer, who served as the event’s host; Israel Bachar, Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Southwest, who offered remarks on behalf of the State of Israel; and Lester Friedman, Mayor of Beverly Hills, who addressed the gathering on behalf of the city.
Rabbi Pini Dunner from Young Israel of North Beverly Hills led a prayer for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), followed by Rabbi Yossi Cunin from Chabad of Beverly Hills, who offered prayers for the hostages still held in Gaza. Rabbi Kalman Topp from Young Israel of Century City led the Kaddish for the victims of the attacks.
Additional dignitaries from Beverly Hills included Vice Mayor, Sharona Nazarian, Councilmembers Craig Corman and Mary Wells, followed by Hydee Feldstein-Soto, Los Angeles City Attorney, Katy Yaroslavsky, Los Angeles City Councilmember, Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney Candidate and former U.S. Assistant Attorney General, and actor and advocate, Ben Savage.
“Today’s memorial was an opportunity for our community to come together in unity, to remember those we lost, and to reaffirm our unwavering support for Israel and its people. We are grateful to everyone who participated and helped make this morning so meaningful,” said Dillon Hosier, CEO of ICAN.
Private security services were provided by Magen Am. We are thankful to the Beverly Hills Police Department and Chief Stainbrook for the presence of his team. And, special thank you to the Beverly Hills Fire Department for showing up in support.