HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. – About 400 people gathered in Highland Park on Sunday to remember the more than 1,200 Israelis who have been killed since the Hamas attack a year ago on October 7, 2023.
The solemn event was held at Port Clinton Square and included prayers, remarks and a march to a temporary memorial two blocks away.
Participants reflected on the pain of the past year.
“I feel sick and sad that we are still here a year later,” one participant told FOX 32.
Among those in attendance were Ladante Claybourn and his best friend Jeremiah, who traveled across the country in a box truck to raise awareness of the hostages still held by Hamas. Jeremiah had a personal connection to the tragedy: his close friend Hersh Goldberg Polin, who had ties to Chicago, was killed by Hamas militants on August 31.
‘It was terrible. Jeremiah heard the news shortly after he got married. It was one of the worst days that could have happened,” Claybourn said.
With flags in hand, the group marched to the monument, where they observed a moment of silence and reflection.
