A Year After Oct. 7 Attacks, Highland Park Mayor Shares Grief, Calls For Hostages' Return

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Last year’s coordinated cross-border attacks in Southern Israel, led by the military wing of Palestinian group Hamas, claimed the lives of more than 1,200 people, more than two thirds of whom were civilians.

The internationally designated terrorist group captured more than 250 people, took them to the Gaza Strip and used them as hostages in an attempt to negotiate with the Israeli government.

Since then, more than 100 were freed during a brief ceasefire last year, while fewer than 10 have been rescued alive by the Israeli military, whose forces fatally shot three hostages as they held white flags. More than 30 hostages are believed to be dead, six of whom are believed to have been executed in a tunnel as Israeli forces approached.

“Over the past year, Highland Park has kept those held hostage and their loved ones in our hearts. Members of our community have hosted vigils, held rallies, visited and volunteered in Israel, and provided support to those directly impacted,” Rotering said.

“At every City Council meeting since October 7,” she said, “our City Council and staff have remembered those held hostage and those whose lives have been lost, pausing before continuing our work to stand in solidarity with their families in Highland Park, Israel, and around the world.”

Rotering cited analysis from the Anti-Defamation League indicating a dramatic rise in antisemitic incidents. According to the ADL, the number of antisemitic incidents in the U.S. tripled in the months following the Oct. 7 attacks.

Following the attacks, the ADL modified the methodology of its audit of antisemitic incidents to expand the definition of antisemitism “to include in the Audit certain expressions of opposition to Zionism.” Protest chants like, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” or “Hey hey, ho ho; Zionism has got to go,” are now considered antisemitic, according to the audit.

In Highland Park, hundreds of anti-Israel protestors picketed the private residence of Congressman Brad Schneider, a staunch supporter of the Jewish state. City staff said they reportedly chanted antisemitic comments, though they declined to specify what was said.

In response, the City Council in August amended its regulations regarding demonstrations in residential areas. Under the amended code, all protests in residential districts are banned unless they target buildings that are used as businesses, non-residential buildings, take place at public meetings or at the private homes of protestors themselves.

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City officials will keep working with all levels of law enforcement to monitor “regional and national trends,” Rotering said.

“We are collectively implementing proactive measures to promote vigilance and public safety throughout our region by partnering with neighboring communities, who last fall joined Highland Park in condemning antisemitism and all acts of hate, on information-sharing, joint training, and shared public safety dispatch services,” she added.

City staff said police are working to ensure safety throughout the weekend, which marks both the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks and Rosh Hashanah, the start of the Jewish High Holy Days.

And although no specific threats have been identified, Highland Park police have increased surveillance at local houses of worship and heightened patrols citywide from Friday through Tuesday.

“May we all find renewed hope in the comfort of community,” Rotering said. “Wishing all who celebrate a sweet, healthy and peaceful new year.”

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