In just a few days, the Jewish community worldwide will observe the second anniversary of the tragic events of October 7, 2023, which stands as the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.
This somber milestone continues to resonate deeply with Jews and Israelis, many of whom feel as though it remains October 8 in their hearts and minds.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is organizing a series of memorial events to honor those who lost their lives, raise awareness about hostages still unaccounted for, and affirm the community’s commitment to ensuring such atrocities do not occur again.
Stephanie Dworkin, the chief marketing officer of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, emphasized the importance of the upcoming events.
“This is a community that cares deeply about combating antisemitism and hate in all forms, certainly related to the atrocities of October 7 and beyond,” Dworkin stated.
She remarked on the strength of the Jewish and Israeli communities in South Jersey, underscoring the vital need for them to continue standing in solidarity with one another and to remember what happened two years ago.
On October 5, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia will host two commemorative events: an in-person gathering and a virtual one.
The in-person memorial kicks off at 5 p.m. with an exhibit featuring visuals and video clips capturing the tragic day of the attack, followed by a ceremony at 6 p.m.
Despite the potential difficulties these images may pose for some attendees, Senior Chief of External Affairs Jeffrey Lasday believes that it is imperative to include them as part of the commemoration.
“At a time when there’s denial going on, even in the preponderance of evidence about this happening,” Lasday explained, “the perpetrators filmed the atrocities as they were committing them. The world is in denial, and I think it’s important to bear witness.”
The evening will consist of poignant readings, prayers, and music aimed at both memorializing the victims and inspiring hope.
This event is being held in collaboration with multiple community organizations, including the Consulate General of Israel, the Israeli-American Council, and the Kaiserman JCC, which contributes to its status as a community-wide initiative.
In South Jersey, preparations for the anniversary began by surrounding the Katz JCC with Israeli flags, symbolizing solidarity with Israel.
Additionally, on the same day, the Jewish Community Relations Council will conduct its annual March of Remembrance, a symbolic walk protesting all forms of hate, with a particular focus on the atrocities of the Holocaust and the persistent antisemitism that continues today.
One notable highlight will be the Hate Ends Now Cattle Car exhibit, which serves as a mobile display illustrating the history of the Holocaust and antisemitism through the re-creation of a Nazi cattle car used to transport Jews to concentration camps.
In conjunction with these events, the opening of the Humans of October 7 art exhibition will take place at the JCC’s Appel Art Gallery.
Dworkin described the exhibition as a “beautiful and meaningful art display” designed to provide community members an opportunity to remember and reflect on the past two years.
It features various photographs of people from diverse backgrounds, encouraging reflection and remembrance.
The art exhibition will be available for viewing through the end of November.
Lasday expressed confidence that the commemoration of these events will remain poignant in the years to come.
“It’s still so fresh. It’s still so new,” he remarked. “I don’t know what it’ll look like five years from now, or 20 or 30 years from now. It’s still the moment. How will this be commemorated in future years? I’m not sure, but I’m sure it will become part of the fall.”
image source from：jewishexponent
