By Nancy Schulman
As we near the one-year anniversary of the atrocities of October 7, and the horror that has unfolded since, our community will gather in remembrance and solidarity to mark the date. United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan and Darien, the Stamford Board of Rabbis, and a host of supporting organizations invite the community to join together to commemorate the tragic events of October 7, 2023.
This gathering, and others in Jewish communities across North America, will honor the lives lost and the hostages in peril, while also standing in solidarity with Israel.The commemoration will take place on Monday, October 7 at 7:00 pm at the Stamford Jewish Community Center (JCC).
There will be an opportunity to mourn, reflect and remember along with a ceremony to memorialize the victims of October 7: the murder of some 1,200 people, the injury of thousands more, the soldiers who continue to defend Israel, the Jewish homeland, every day, and the kidnapping of more than 250, — nearly half of whom remain in captivity. It will also recognize with gratitude the community’s overwhelming continued response in Israel’s hour of need.
“It is hard to fathom that we are planning a commemoration to mark one year since the atrocities of October 7, 2023,” says UJF Chief Executive Officer Diane Sloyer.
“It has been a continuous shiva...a time of mourning for Jews all over the world as well as those who value truth and justice and stand together against terrorism. I am grateful to our community rabbis and community organizations for working together to uplift us all in these most trying times.”
In addition, the program will include Tal Chaika, an Israeli who, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, compiled the book, October 7: Voices of Survivors and Witnesses.This book contains unedited stories that document the events of October 7. The book will be on sale at the event for $18, and all proceeds go toward supporting the victims and their families. More information on the book is available at www.oct7book.com.
Thank you to the following organizations for co-sponsoring this event: ADL of Connecticut, AJC of Westchester and Fairfield Counties, Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy, Chabad of Harbor Point, Chabad of New Canaan, Chabad of Stamford, Congregation Agudath Sholom, Friendship Circle, Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County, Schoke Jewish Family Service, Stamford JCC, Temple Beth El, Temple Sinai, and Young Israel of Stamford.
To register to attend the October 7 commemoration at the Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, please visit www.ujf.org/oct7. There is no charge, but registration is required. For more information, contact Gary Jones, UJF JCRC Director at gary@ujf.org
This article appears in the October '24 issue of The New Jewish Voice. To receive The New Jewish Voice delivered free to your home, sign-up today at www.ujf.org.