ST. LOUIS — It's been one year since the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attack on Israel.
Somber ceremonies were held across the Jewish State and here in the U.S. to remember the 1,200 men, women and children killed that day.
President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump paused in remembrance Monday.
The massacre sparked a devastating war in Gaza killing more than 40,000 Palestinians and displacing millions. It also led to a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Monday night, the St. Louis Jewish community and supporters came together to reflect. They also prayed for the return of the hundreds of hostages taken by Hamas.
There were about 1,200 people in attendance tonight at the Jewish Community Center holding space for the one year anniversary of Hamas' deadly attacks on Israel.
5 On Your Side spoke to several St. Louis rabbis who said one of the most challenging parts is the emotional toll and depth this war has taken on their communities - a commonly discussed topic for Creve Coeur Rabbi Jim Bennett and his Congregation Shaare Emeth.
"For many people, obviously it has changed horribly, tragically," Rabbi Bennett said. "But for all of us it has changed in a way to remind us and rededicate ourselves to the moral courage and opportunity to learn lessons from this terrible event."
There were 1,200 Israelis killed in a surprise attack from the terrorist group Hamas. Additionally, 250 people were taken hostage.
Having so many still away from home is one of the hardest parts of the war for St. Louis Rabbi Scott Shafrin.
"Some who are very young children who are less than a year old when they were taken, have still not been returned to their families who miss them." Rabbi Shafrin said. "Some who are very likely presumed dead and can not be buried in traditional ways because no one knows where they are."
A leader with the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis, Rabbi Shafrin was one of the many speakers at the Jewish Community Center on Monday night.
He emphasized the devastation of this war on both sides.
"This whole last year I've seen conflict, spin, spiral and more lives shattered," Rabbi Shafrin said. "It's impossible for people to get over and see that level of violence."
Officials believe nearly 100 of those hostages are still being held by Hamas, 365 days later.
The Gaza Health Ministry says in the last year more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's retaliation.
Rabbi Bennett said it's been one of the most gut-wrenching years of his life.
"All of us really dream, pray, believe, and hope that this war will end, and that it will end in a way that allows all of the people that are impacted by it to live in peace," Rabbi Bennett said.
Yet the violence has continued in the Middle East. Most recently, Israel has opened a new front against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Additionally, it's vowed to strike Iran itself after launching a ballistic missile attack on the country last week.
Here at home though, many in the Jewish community continue to ask for peace.