Riga memorial honors victims of Hamas attacks on Israel

Approximately 100 people gathered at the Freedom Monument in Riga to commemorate the victims of the Hamas attacks on Israel. Organized by the Latvian Jewish Community and the association ‘Jewnited’, the event involved lighting candles and singing to honor those killed and kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Posters at the site highlighted the casualties, noting that over 1,200 people were killed, 251 were taken hostage, and more than 4,800 were injured. One poster featured Shirana Gonenas, a Latvian citizen and mother of three, who was killed by Hamas terrorists at the Nova music festival.

Attendees included Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis, Saeima Secretary Jānis Grasbergs, and former Defense Minister Artis Pabriks. The memorial coincided with reports that the Israeli military has expanded its control over the Gaza Strip from 53% to approximately 60% of the territory.