PORTLAND (WGME) – Monday marks one year since Hamas attacked Israel killing 1,200 people and taking hundreds more as hostage. Maine’s Jewish community commemorated the day, gathering at the Jewish Community Alliance Center in Portland to mourn and remember those lost.

“The cemeteries are filling up,” said Dr. Eric Dinnerstein, an Israeli American who spoke at Monday’s event. “There are some who do not have a gravesite.”

A candlelight vigil was held in remembrance of those who were killed October 7, and in support for those taken hostage. Mourners hearing about the atrocity firsthand from a survivor.

“People are saying I have a family member who is wounded please send security squad to me,” said Keren Borovsky Oren, a survivor of the October 7 attack. “In a different neighborhood people are saying the terrorist burned our home, what can we do please come and save us.”

The 200 attendees in Portland were protected by heightened security. The safety measures were sparked by a rise in antisemitism across the country, including in Maine.

“The anti-Semitic increase in the wake of October 7 is real,” said CEO of Jewish Community Alliance Leslie Kirby. “And it hasn’t just been words there have been people who have been attacked.”

Across the city, Portland Mayor Mark Dion signed a proclamation, remembering those who were lost in last year’s attack.

“The trauma of October 7 has reverberated across the world with Jewish communities including here in Portland,” said Dion.

It was an act praised by organizers but questioned by some attendees who were frustrated the city voted to divest from Israel last month.

“Why did that phony vote to divest from Israel?” an attendee shouted out at the commemoration event in Portland.

Monday’s remembrance was filled with song and prayer. And similar events happened all over the state, linked together virtually.

“I think it’s really important,” said Margery Goldberg, who attended the commemoration. “In our tradition people support each other during trauma and the loss of loved ones.”

A man has been arrested in the death of a woman last month in Mexico, Maine, police said Monday.

Elijah Cowper, 23, is suspected of murder and arson in the death of Lacey Tidswell, also 23, in a fire reported on the morning of Sept. 26, Maine State Police said.

Cowper, who’d been in custody on an unrelated charge, was due in court Monday about 3 p.m., according to police. It wasn’t immediately clear if he had an attorney who could speak to the charges.

Police initially said that they found the body of a person, later identified as Tidswell, while putting out flames at a burning home on Tucker Street, while another person was rescued by ladder. That person wasn’t hurt.

The fire was reported about 7:09 a.m., and first responders found fire burning from the front porch and other parts of the building, police said. The body was found inside the house later.

The Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk, Maine found these two brothers a perfect home, but more homes are needed.

The Animal Welfare Society loves kitties Earl Grey and his brother Stormy. But they knew it was time for them to find a forever home. They are best buds and needed a home that could take both as they are a ‘bonded’ pair. They can’t be separated, which I think makes them even more adorable.

How old are brother kitties at AWS in Kennebunk, Maine?

These sweet boys are about 8 months old and are almost identical. People ask – how do you tell them apart? Well, Earl Gray has a little more white fur on his upper lip than his brother does. And here’s another difference – Earl Gray is more outgoing than Stormy. He’s what you might call a wallflower, so EG is usually the first one to venture over to explore a new part of the house or greet a new visitor.

Don’t worry, Stormy doesn’t hide in the corners forever. It takes him a little while to warm up, but then he’s right by Earl Gray’s side playing, exploring, and bird-watching. They love being together.

Are Earl Gray and Stormy people cats?

Yes! They love their people! They are very loving, loyal cats who like to sandwich their people on the couch for a good snuggle session. And what’s better than the warmth of two cats by your side on a cool fall evening? Absolutely nothing. They are easygoing, fun, and playful, they love each other and have new people to love!

There are other cats that need their forever home at the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk, Maine.

This is Gizmo. He’s almost 12 years old and very chill. He’s an indoor/outdoor cat who loves exploring outside during the day and snuggling up with his person/people at night. Maybe you are the perfect match for this sweet boy.

For more information on your new forever cat, just contact the Animal Welfare Society. They are open daily and you don’t need an appointment!