Tag: marking 10.7

As we approach two years since October 7, the Hostages Families and Survivors Forum invites our community to gather in front of the White House for the Sukkah of Hope—a powerful public space for memory, solidarity, and urgent action. From October 7–10 on the Ellipse, we’ll honor those we lost, hold space for the 48 hostages still in Gaza, and continue the fight to bring them home. Federation is proud to stand in partnership on this effort with the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington, Adas Israel Congregation, and American Jewish Committee (AJC).

As we remember the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, we are pleased to invite you to meet Karni, a former tank commander who served for six and a half years in the IDF. Karni was at her base in the south of Israel when she received notice of the Hamas invasion on October 7, 2023. Leading her battalion, she bravely entered the battle, eliminating over 50 terrorists and saving more than 800 Israeli citizens. Karni will share her story of tremendous bravery and leadership, the decisions she had to make on her own, the responsibility she carried, and her reflections on the war and what it means for the future of Israel and Israeli society.

Join Congregation B’nai Tzedek as we commemorate the two-year anniversary of the tragic events of October 7, 2023.

We are honored to welcome back Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a CBT congregant, who will return as our special guest speaker for the second consecutive year. Jonathan testifies often before Congress and appears on television channels such as CNN, Fox News, BBC, & MSNBC.

For security reasons, registration is required, and the event is complimentary. Light refreshments will be served.

In the first two weeks of October, stop by the Q Street Lobby to take part in a creative activity in honor of Kibbutz Re’im’s upcoming 76th anniversary as they rebuild their community after the October 7 attacks. Together, we’ll prepare decorated greeting cards that will later be displayed at the kibbutz as a heartfelt gift from the Greater Washington community.

Filmmaker Tom Shoval crafts a personal cinematic letter to David Cunio, who was abducted by Hamas from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, and has been held hostage in Gaza ever since. Ten years ago, David and his twin brother Eitan starred in Shoval’s award-winning debut feature film Youth (Berlinale 2013), which focused on the powerful bond between brothers and, in a tragic and unimaginable twist of fate, revolved around a kidnapping. Through unedited behind-the-scenes footage and audition tapes from Youth, Shoval builds a multi-layered documentary that explores the inexplicable connections between life and cinema, memory and reality, and the catastrophic consequences of war. A portion of proceeds received by this film will be donated to the Cunio Family, supporting their ongoing struggle.

Soon we will mark two years since the terrible disaster that struck us, and the devastating war that followed. We invite you to a community evening of remembrance, a gathering without speeches, just shared reflection, connection, and heartfelt embrace. Featuring testimonies from families of hostages, reflections from Igal Hecht, director of the powerful documentary "The Killing Roads," heart-touching moments shared by community members personally affected by the tragedy and a powerful art installation. Participation is free of charge, but advance registration is required. The event will be held in English/English Subtitles.