The one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks was a powerful day for our entire school community. Together, we honored the lives lost and reflected on the ongoing challenges faced by the Jewish people through powerful learning, moments of remembrance, and acts of unity. Our hearts remain with the more than 100 hostages still held captive in Gaza, and with the heroic men and women of the IDF who continue to fight for Israel and the Jewish people every day.
Both high schoolers and middle schoolers began the day by participating in a moving Zoom program organized by Mizrachi, joining yeshivos across the United States for a special siyum and memorial ceremony. Students prayed, learned, and drew strength from the stories of those who lost their lives.
During club period at the middle school, Morah Avital Kahn led a heartfelt tekes with student volunteers, offering messages of hope and important lessons from the tragedy. She also shared a personal story about her cousin, who was gravely injured on October 7 and made a miraculous recovery. In Judaic Studies classes, students learned about individuals who were killed on October 7 through the Heroes Live On website, deepening their connection to the lives lost.
Over at the high school, students learned mishnayos from Maseches P’sachim in memory of the victims of October 7. Seniors had the option of attending a special discussion led by alumna Kayla Hutt, an NYU student and activist, who shared insights on the challenges of being a Jewish college student today. Her words sparked meaningful conversations and provided our students with a deeper understanding of the realities Jewish students face in this climate.
Shir Zohar, a survivor of the Nova Festival massacre, visited to share her story of survival. Shir’s testimony deeply moved students, many of whom rushed to hug her after her talk. Later in the day, students participated in a meaningful tribute project: Depending on their grade, some students received biographies of victims from October 7, while others received information on the remaining hostages. They then worked on personalizing yellow ribbons and cards in that person’s honor.
The day culminated on the soccer field, where Director of Student Life Mrs. Lisa Septimus and her team had created a memorial inspired by the Nova Festival tribute and Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. Stakes in the ground represented each of the victims, and a large table set with 101 chairs honored each of the remaining hostages. Students attached their tribute ribbons and cards to the stakes and chairs. The day concluded with students singing Acheinu and Hatikvah – standing together as a community, united in prayer.
