INDIANAPOLIS — Hoosiers joined people across the world Monday marking one year since the Hamas terror attack on Israel.
And while it has been one year, some said it feels like yesterday.
Now, the war between Israel and Hamas shows no signs of ending and seems to be escalating. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Monday to "continue to fight."
More than 41,000 people have been killed during the conflict, prompting a humanitarian crisis.
"It is still October 7 of 2023 for most Jews in this world," said Jewish Community Lay Leader Irwin Levin.
Hundreds of people came together at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation to remember the 1,200 lives that were lost on this day one year ago. They lit candles, sang songs and said prayers for the people that are still being held hostage by Hamas.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to Israel.
"Israel didn't ask for this war. Israel didn't start this war," said Levin.
"To me, this gathering signifies Indiana and America saying we will stand against terrorism and this is not acceptable," said former Jewish Community Relations President Todd Maurer.
As the bombings continue, they can't help but think about the innocent people stuck in the middle.
"Loss of human life, especially civilian life, it's devastating the conflict has dragged in the way that it has and continues to escalate," said Eli Isaacs, president of the Indianapolis Jewish community relations council.
"I have a niece who is in high school in Israel, in Tel Aviv, who has been spending days in bomb shelters," said Maurer.
The Jewish community said the terrorist attacks were a turning point, making the year extremely difficult for them.
"The anti-Semitism in America has gotten to a point I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined," Levin said.
"I have three children. Two of them were in college last year. The feeling on a campus of unsafeness, of people targeting them. My high school student feeling the environment wasn't safe. People wearing flags anti-Israel or pro-Hamas or just not understanding the issue," said Maurer.
Even though the light his dimmed, they said it has not extinguished.
"I'm absolutely hopeful we can resolve this and get our hostages back," said Maurer.
"Even though we are in survival mode now, we are strong, and we are going to survive," said Levin.