Newly appointed Israeli Ambassador to Korea Rafael Harpaz speaks at an event in Seoul, Monday, marking the anniversary of Hamas' devastating attack on Israel last year. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

The newly appointed Israeli Ambassador to Korea Rafael Harpaz hosted an event in Seoul, Monday, marking the first anniversary of Hamas' devastating attack on Israel. Addressing a diverse audience, including Korea-Israel Friendship Association Chairman Hwang Woo-yea, former Foreign Minister Park Jin, diplomats and members of the Jewish community, Harpaz recounted the harrowing events and honored the victims.

"On Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at 6:29 a.m. during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, Hamas terrorist organization launched a surprise attack on Israel that resulted in the massacre of approximately 1,300 Israelis and foreigners, the biggest number of Jews that were murdered in one day since the Holocaust," Harpaz said.

The ambassador detailed the atrocities committed by Hamas, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of the violence.

"Hamas terrorists viciously murdered children, parents, grandparents, soldiers, Jews, Christians, Muslims and foreign citizens from Thailand, Nepal and other countries. They raped women and abducted more than 250 Israelis and non-Israelis into Gaza," he said.

"The goal of Hamas is the destruction of the state of Israel as outlined in their charter. This is not a territorial dispute or something else. Israel left Gaza completely in 2005 till the last inch, and instead of creating a peaceful neighborhood, we have a terror entity on our border supported and sponsored by Iran."

Reflecting on the ongoing situation, Harpaz highlighted the hostages still held by Hamas, emphasizing that there are still 101 hostages in Gaza.

"We don't know how many of them are alive and how many were murdered. Hamas is hiding information as part of the psychological war," he said.

The memorial event was structured to reflect the depth of the tragedy and the resilience of those affected. The program began with a short video about Kibbutz Be'eri, detailing the sequence of the attack. On Oct. 7, 2023, Israel experienced the deadliest terrorist attack in its history, marked by a heavy barrage of rocket fire as thousands of Hamas terrorists invaded the country.

The ambassador emphasized the broader implications of terrorism, urging international solidarity against the threat.

"The risk of terrorism is a worldwide threat to all of the international community, whether you're in Europe, in the Middle East, in North America or here in Asia. Countries should know that today it is Israel and tomorrow it can be any other country. Therefore, we should stand firm by opposing and fighting terrorism," he said.

"The Oct. 7 terror attack has been traumatic not only for Israelis but for people around the world. However, throughout history, the Jewish people have faced persecution and hardship, and each time, we have risen stronger, more united and more determined to preserve our way of life. This moment of grief, though profound, will not define us. Let us remember that light always triumphs over darkness; we will continue to rise stronger than ever."