Morris Leader

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners has reiterated its support for Israel on the anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks. The commissioners shared updates during a public meeting about memorials they attended earlier in the week.

On Sunday, Commissioners Thomas Mastrangelo and John Krickus participated in a display at Pine Brook Jewish Center. This display featured empty chairs symbolizing the remaining 101 hostages, including two highchairs for abducted toddlers. Commissioner Krickus also attended a commemoration at Chabad of Montville Township and spoke at Adath Shalom in Parsippany, where Sheriff James Gannon and State Senator Anthony Bucco were present.

On Monday, Commissioners Deborah Smith, John Krickus, and Doug Cabana joined nearly 3,000 people at Temple B'nai Jeshurun in Short Hills for a memorial hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ. The event included stories from survivors of the October 7, 2023 attacks, moments of prayer, and music by IDF Paratrooper Noam Buskila.

Deputy Director Stephen Shaw attended a commemoration held by the Chabad Center for Jewish Life of Mountain Lakes, Boonton, and Denville alongside Sheriff Gannon, Prosecutor Robert Carroll, and Senator Bucco. Director Christine Myers visited Chabad of Mendham and Chester for a Memorial Torah dedication event.

The commissioners expressed gratitude to the Jewish community for their invitations to these commemorations. They vowed never to forget "the cowardly terror attacks Hamas delivered on innocent individuals and families in Israel last year." Appreciation was also extended to local law enforcement agencies for ensuring safety during these observances.