Dear Residents,

Today, we mark three years since the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023, a day of unimaginable terror, loss, and heartbreak that changed Israel, the Jewish people, and the world forever.

In solemn remembrance of the victims of October 7th, the Village of Lawrence has lowered its flags to half-staff today as a symbol of mourning, remembrance, and solidarity.

We remember the innocent men, women, and children who were murdered. We remember the families torn apart, the communities devastated, and the countless lives forever changed. We remember the fear, the pain, and the darkness of that day and we must make certain that the world never forgets.

October 7th was also a painful reminder of a truth we can never afford to ignore: antisemitism is real, it is dangerous, and it must never be tolerated.

History has taught us what can happen when hatred is ignored, excused, or allowed to grow. From the horrors of the Holocaust to the atrocities of October 7th, we are reminded that silence and indifference are never acceptable.

Our responsibility is not only to remember the past, but to learn from it and act upon it.

We must stand together against antisemitism in every form and at every level. We must speak out against hatred wherever it appears. And as a community, we must be willing to put aside our petty differences and recognize that there are moments when unity is not simply desirable, it is essential.

We are strongest when we stand together.

There is “unity” within “community”, and there can be no strong community without unity.

As residents of the Village of Lawrence, we must continue to support one another, protect one another, and stand proudly and unapologetically against hatred and antisemitism.

May the memories of those who were murdered on October 7th forever be a blessing. May we continue to pray for the wounded, for the families who continue to carry unimaginable pain, for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Israel, and for peace and security for the Jewish people throughout the world.

May God bless the residents of the Village of Lawrence, the United States of America, the great State of Israel, and the Jewish people everywhere.

We remember. We stand together. We will never be silent.

Am Yisrael Chai.

Samuel Nahmias
Mayor

Aaron M. Parnes, Deputy Mayor
Tammy M. Roz, Trustee
Aaron Felder, Trustee
Steven C. Gottesman, Trustee