Overview

• The anniversary marked the 2023 Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 people and saw roughly 250 abducted, with survivors and attendees stressing that dozens of hostages remain in Gaza.
• At the devastated kibbutz Nir Oz, where more than a quarter of residents were killed or kidnapped, survivors gathered for a ceremony as they described two years with virtually no rebuilding.
• On Amsterdam’s Dam, a truck installation replicating a Hamas tunnel drew calls to free hostages and to foster dialogue, with police present, some protesters dispersed, and one arrest for vandalism.
• In Utrecht, community members attended synagogue services with prayers for peace and hostage release as interviews described rising fear, intense polarization, and outreach efforts such as Deel de Duif.
• Survivor testimonies ranged from anger at Hamas and deep distrust of Prime Minister Netanyahu to cautious hope tied to reported international mediation that participants attributed to U.S. President Trump.