Hundreds gathered for prayer and song at the Temple Israel Center of White Plains to remember the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel ahead of its second anniversary.

The coordinated attacks by Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people, with more than 250 taken hostage.

There is hope among those who attended, as mediators are scheduled to meet in Egypt on Monday for peace talks between Hamas and Israel.

"We're hopeful that it will happen. It will be an amazing thing, everybody wants it to be over," said Howard Deixler, of Rye.

The talks come after Hamas agreed to some parts of a 20-point U.S. peace plan, which includes releasing hostages and handing over Gaza governance to Palestinian technocrats.

Negotiations on other issues are still expected.

Alan Dash, of Rye, said he is cautiously optimistic.

"This is the most encouraging time in the past 2 years, mostly because the entire Muslim world is involved, the former prime minister of Great Britain is involved," he said.

Still, there are the memories of Oct. 7 that will never be forgotten. Israeli Atir Vinnikov survived the deadly attacks.

"On Oct. 7, I saw death and I saw life. That's the message I carry with me today. When you leave here tonight, always remember, heroes are not born, they're made, in moments of choice," he told the audience.