On Sunday, October 5, the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic, in cooperation with the Jewish Community of Prague and JCC Prague, held a commemorative gathering in Prague marking the second anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The purpose of the event was to honor the memory of more than 1,200 victims of the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, to remember the stories of the abducted hostages, and to express solidarity with the people of Israel.

Speakers at the event included Petr Papoušek, President of the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic; Pavel Král, President of the Jewish Community of Prague; Israel’s designated ambassador to the Czech Republic, Amir Weissbrod; Czech activist for hostage release, Radka Pavlíčková; and Ella Mor, the aunt of four-year-old Abigail Edan — one of the hostages who was released after weeks in captivity.

In his speech, Petr Papoušek emphasized that “the fight against terrorism is not only a matter of security, but also a struggle for hearts and minds. This fight is also taking place here, where disinformation and lies about Israel are being spread. We must stand up to the forces of extremism and division that are trying to take root in our society,” he stated.

Pavel Král, President of the Jewish Community of Prague, stressed that “antisemitism never ends with the Jews – it is always a sign of the breakdown of the fundamental values of society. That is why we must stand against it – firmly, clearly, and visibly.”

Ambassador-designate of Israel, Amir Weissbrod, stated:
“Israel before and after October 7 is no longer the same. Hamas tried to destroy our society, but it was wrong — Israel has proven to be strong, determined, and united. Our people returned home to rebuild their lives despite the pain and the loss.”

Radka Pavlíčková, a Czech activist who has long advocated for the release of the hostages, stated: “As long as the last hostage is not home, our voice must not go silent. To stay silent would be to forget — and to forget would be to abandon them. We must never let that happen.”

A deeply moving testimony was delivered by Ella Mor, who spoke as the aunt of young Abigail Edan, whose parents were murdered and Abigail spent weeks in Hamas captivity. According to her, even the most horrific events and traumas can become a catalyst for personal development — known as post-traumatic growth (PTG). “I chose not to give up. I want to be a role model for my children and do everything I can to make sure the world remembers what happened on October 7. I’m fighting so that the hostages can return home to their loved ones,” she said. She believes that personal stories, human faces, and direct connection can reach the hearts of even those who may be hostile to Israel or hold antisemitic views. Through her own example, she seeks to connect with people across ideological and cultural divides.

The program also featured musical performances by Omer Tal, Ori Huberman, Marina Kantor, and the duo Bergmann, along with a screening from the documentary We Will Dance Again, highlighting the courage and resilience of Israeli society. The ceremony concluded with a prayer led by Chief Rabbi of the Czech Republic, Karol E. Sidon.

The event was attended by representatives of the Jewish community, members of the diplomatic corps, the Israeli community, and Czech friends of Israel. It served not only as a remembrance of tragic events but also as a message of hope, unity, and solidarity with Israel and Jewish communities around the world.