Israel-Hamas: Vigil In Montclair Will Demand Release Of Hostages

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A volunteer-led group plans to hold a vigil in Montclair to support Israeli hostages being held by Hamas – and to demand their immediate return.

According to Bring Them Home Montclair, the vigil will take place on Sunday, Nov. 5 from noon to 3 p.m. on Walnut Street (between North Willow and Forest streets). People of all faiths and backgrounds are invited to attend.

The road will be closed between North Willow and Forest Streets to accommodate the event, organizers said.

In keeping with other services held in Israel and the U.S., a table setting for those kidnapped will include a chair identifying each man, woman, and child separated from their families, organizers said.

The vigil’s organizers added:

“Montclair is a diverse town which is home to a vibrant Jewish community, including many Israelis who either relocated to the U.S. through their careers or married Americans. Within Montclair's Israeli residents, there are several families directly impacted by the terror attacks on October 7, including families whose loved ones have been killed, as well as family members currently kidnapped and held hostage in the Gaza Strip by Hamas.”

Among them? Noe Mignolet, who is currently visiting family in Montclair, and who is expected to speak at Sunday’s vigil.

According to Bring Them Home Montclair, several of Mignolet's family members, including his teenage brother, live in Kibbutz Nir Oz near the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip. It was one of the kibbutzim targeted by Hamas, with devastating consequences.

Mignolet said that his younger brother reported hearing shouting, gunfire and explosions – then eventually silence.

“He, along with one our neighbors in the kibbutz, were sheltering in a secure room that serves as a shelter during attacks,” Mignolet said. “They waited and waited and, after 11 hours, they came out of the secure room to realize that the only part of the house left was the shelter they were in because the entire home had burned down around them.”

“They were the lucky ones,” Mignolet added.

More than 1,400 Israelis were killed after Hamas launched their coordinated attack on Oct. 7, including civilians and children. Dozens of the deceased are U.S. residents, including some from New Jersey. It’s estimated that nearly 250 Israeli soldiers and civilians were also seized by Hamas and taken into Gaza as hostages. Read More: Hamas Attacks Deadliest Day For Jews Since The Holocaust, Biden Says

Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities said last week that more than 7,000 people have been killed in Gaza due to Israel's retaliatory air strikes – including nearly 3,000 children. Israel has cut off water and electricity in Gaza, raising an outcry from advocates, some of whom have called Israel’s order for Palestinians to evacuate to the southern part of the Gaza Strip an “impossible” task. Read More: Pro-Palestine Protesters March In Essex County: 'Lift The Siege On Gaza'

The war has seen widely divergent reactions in Essex County from elected officials, community leaders, and people with loved ones on both sides of the conflict.

Read some of our recent coverage in Essex County below (click headlines to read).

• See Related: Israel-Hamas: Essex County Divided As Death Toll Grows (UPDATED)
• See Related: Israel-Hamas: How To Talk To Your Kids, Practice Self-Care
• See Related: Montclair Town Council Takes Stance On Israel-Palestine (VIDEO)
• See Related: Senate Candidate From Montclair Calls For Ceasefire In Israel-Gaza War
• See Related: People Fleeing Israel Arrive At NJ Airport After Harrowing Journey
• See Related: Controversial Slogan Incites Fear As NJ Students Plan Pro-Palestine Walkout
• See Related: Newark Mayor: Don't Use Israel-Hamas War To Fan Flames Of Hate
• See Related: Israel-Palestine: East Orange Mayor Says 'Peace' Should Be The Goal
• See Related: Israel-Palestine: Essex Commissioners Condemn Hatred, Plead For Peace

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