Community members on both sides of the conflict took the time this weekend to reflect on the lives lost.
Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people in the Oct. 7 attack and took another 250 hostage. They are still holding around 100 captives, a third of whom are believed to be dead.
Iranian-backed Hezbollah, the strongest armed force in Lebanon, began firing rockets into Israel almost immediately after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, calling it a show of support for the Palestinians. Hezbollah and Israel's military have traded fire almost daily.
For the many people who gathered in Highland Park Sunday night, they said it was about marking a dark day in Israel while also remaining hopeful for the safe return of hostages still being held by Hamas.
"Just wanting to be together with other people that care and are thinking about those who are affected by this... fear, devastation, and many hours of calling friends and texting friends and family to make sure - are people safe?" Deerfield resident Dina Shiner said. "These beautiful, innocent people were taken while dancing and singing and living."
They say time heals all wounds, but for the North Shore residents who gathered for the vigil, the pain still feels fresh.
"This is how many days they have been in captivity... I wear this every single day. I change the tape. I change the number," Highland Park resident Deena Pascal said.
Nir G., who asked ABC7 not to show his face for his own security, is a reservist with the Israel Defense Forces and was called to duty one year ago.
"My first stop in the south was the Nova festival," he said. "I never thought I would see something so horrific like that." 13:18
He's only home in the North Shore for a short time before he returns to the Middle East to continue fighting for the safe return of more than a-hundred hostages still being held by Hamas.
"Those pictures are really hard. It's sometimes hard to go to sleep, but it's also what keeps you moving forward because this is my people," he said. "This is our people, and as a soldier, I will do anything to protect them and defend my country... From this darkness we saw how the Jewish community in Israel and abroad is united together."
Since the Hamas attack, the Anti-Defamation League has reported a never-before-seen spike in antisemitism in the United Stated. More than 10,000 incidents were recorded nationwide within only a year. Many of them, the group said, happened at Jewish institutions like synagogues and on college campuses.
"We're talking here about acts of harassment, acts of vandalism and acts of assault," said David Goldenberg with Anti-Defamation League Midwest.
While fear has come in the wake of October 7, for many at the Highland Park vigil, so has hope.
"We say 'Am Yisrael Chai' which means Israel will live," Pascal said.
The Jewish United Fund plans to remember the victims of the attack with a community gathering on Monday.
"If you would've told me a year ago that I'd be planning a one-year anniversary, I would not have believed you. That day was so shocking," Dan Goldwin with the Jewish United Fund said.
"This war was started by Hamas and can be ended by Hamas," Goldwin said.
An Israel Remembrance Service took place on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Quentin Road Baptist Church at 24126 N Quentin Rd in Lake Zurich.
SEE ALSO | U of C faculty hold 'teach-in' about Israel-Hamas War as local schools adopt new protest policies
A Pro-Palestinian rally brought hundreds of people together in the streets of Downtown Chicago on Saturday. Together they called for a ceasefire and the end of US military support for Israel.
"In the last year we have made a lot of progress. We have been able to put this issue on the map, discussed in every single room of power," said Hatem Abudayyeh with the U.S. Palestinian Community Network.
READ ALSO | Pro-Palestinian protesters rally in Chicago ahead of October 7 anniversary
The Inner-City Muslim Action Network hosted a benefit concert for Gaza Sunday night at the Ramova Theater at 35th and South Halsted.
The event included performances from Chicago's own Common and other artists.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.