New York City officials gathered Wednesday to call for the creation of the first permanent public memorial in the city dedicated to the victims of the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel. The press conference took place at Avenue R between East 4th and East 5th Streets in Brooklyn, exactly three years after the Hamas-led assault.
State Senator Sam Sutton and District Leader Joey Saban led the event, joined by NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin, NYC Comptroller Mark Levine, and other local elected officials and community leaders. The proposed memorial would be built at the Mickey Kairey Garden in Brooklyn, occupying a footprint of roughly six feet by six feet.
According to those backing the effort, the October 7 memorial proposal is intended to give New Yorkers a place to remember those killed and taken hostage, support their families, and educate future generations about the attack.
“October 7 must never be forgotten,” Sutton said. “This memorial will give our community a place to remember the victims, honor their memory, and teach our children and grandchildren what happened.”
Saban emphasized the personal stakes for many local families. “For so many families in our community, October 7 is personal,” he said. “A permanent memorial will ensure that the memory of those we lost remains alive for generations to come.”
Community leaders said they plan to privately raise the funds needed to cover the memorial’s design, installation, and long-term maintenance. They are also working with the appropriate city agencies to secure the necessary permits and approvals before construction can begin.
The only person who stands in their way is Mayor Mamdani.
