It's been one year since the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel.

Twelve hundred babies, children, women, and men were murdered, with 250 innocent civilians taken hostage.

The massacre sparked a devastating war in Gaza, killing over 40,000 Palestinians, and displacing millions.

At Ohev Beth Shalom this prayer vigil was to mark the one year anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel. I

In that attack over 1200 Jews were murdered, and 250 were taken hostage.

People at the synagogue tell 21 News the horrors of the rapes and violence will never be forgotten.

The empty seats on several rows in the synagogue have pictures of the 101 babies, children, women, and men on them as a reminder that people are still being held hostage by Hamas.

"It reminds us they should be in their own communities. They should be in their sanctuaries, with their families at their dinner tables. They should be here," Rabbi Courtney Bern, Ohev Beth Sholom said.

A block away at Wick Park the Arab American Community Center of Youngstown held a candlelight vigil.

They also mourn loved ones they have lost after Israel struck back.

Supporters of Palestine say the focus should not be on this one day, but on the 76 year battle by the Palestinian people for freedom from what they say is an apartheid regime.

As the war expands to Lebanon they tell WFMJ News they join with 148 countries calling for a cease fire.

"In Palestine and Gaza we have lost over 100,000 people plus injured. We have 40,000 children orphaned," Suhad Hadi, President of the Arab American Community Center in Youngstown said.

Both sides are praying for peace and an end to the loss of innocent lives.

"The prayer I brought, the prayer really talks about peace between peoples," Rabbi Bern emphasized.