YOUNGSTOWN — Candles were lit Sunday evening to remember those lost and to honor the heroes from the attacks on Israel by Hamas nearly two years ago on Oct. 7, 2023.

Mark Huberman, president of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, which hosted the event at the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown, said on that day, which was Simchat Torah, the sirens went off early in the morning.

“It was the deadliest attack in the country’s history,” Huberman said.

He said 1,000 Hamas terrorists invaded and infiltrated bases and the Nova Music Festival, which was attended by more than 3,000 young people who had gathered in a celebration of “friends, love and infinite freedom.”

Huberman said the Hamas terrorists took hundreds of hostages. There also were many lives lost, he said.

“The shock of that day continues to reverberate across Israel and Jewish communities worldwide” Huberman said.

Seven candles were lit at the front of the room, marking Oct. 7, with each candle having its own meaning: to remember the victims, Israel, the Jewish people, hostages, the heroes, strength and peace.

“Together, these flames shine as a beacon against darkness and a reminder that even in grief, we remain unbroken,” Huberman said.

Huberman said there have been recent news reports of a possible ceasefire and release of the hostages.

“We are all hopeful it will go through,” he said.

Signs around the room said “Free Israelis and Palestinians from Hamas terrorism.” “Israel celebrates life, Hamas celebrates death” and “Condemn Hamas Terrorism.”

Tres Hively, president of BBYO, said on that day 1,200 people were murdered and 251 were taken hostage. BBYO stands for the B’Nai B’Rith Youth Organization.

“Since then, families and friends have lived with unbearable longing for their loved ones who were kidnapped or murdered,” she said.

Sherri Pataki, who lit a candle, said for the past two years, she has been speaking out for the return of all the hostages. The candle she lit was for the hostages.

During the program, several videos were shown of the hostages and also those who lost their lives on Oct. 7.

Rabbi Courtney Berman of Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom in Youngstown said all the prayers will never be enough until all the remaining hostages are released and brought home.

“Israel and all of us have a lot of healing ahead of us but that can’t really begin until they all come home. These seven candles shine for the loss and grief we feel. They all shine for the millions of people with resilience, courage and hope. May their light guide us forward toward the return of the hostages, healing for the broken, and peace for Israel and for our Jewish people everywhere,” Berman said.

During the program, Melanie Lemberski, a staff sergeant in the Israel Defense Forces and a combat fighter in the Bardelas Battalion, shared her story of Oct. 7, 2023.

She helped search for personal friends during the Nova tragedy and led missions in Gaza as part of the all-female combat team on the ground.

Lemberski said what was on the news did not show everything about what people faced in Israel that day and after.

“Our minds cannot connect in realizing the situation in Israel. You learn to cope with grief while fighting,” she said, noting she spent time searching for people, including friends who had died.

Lemberski said more women are in the defense forces since they, not men, are the ones who have to check for female terrorists.