The one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel served as a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis, but this awareness must not fade. To keep the stories of the hostages and the impact of terrorism at the forefront, the St. Louis Jewish community is invited to gather at the Jewish Community Center – Staenberg Family Complex on Oct. 27 for a special event aimed at fostering solidarity and understanding.
Organized in partnership with the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, this in-person event will feature a live Zoom conversation with a family member of a hostage, sharing their personal story and perspective. While the specific family participating is still being determined, this direct connection aims to bring our community closer to those enduring unimaginable hardships. To fully engage, attendees must be present at The J, as the Zoom session will only be accessible to those in the room.
“We hope our community can learn about the personal impact of these events and the importance of solidarity and support,” said Naomi Elbaz, Israeli engagement coordinator at The J. “By creating a platform for dialogue and understanding, we hope to foster compassion and encourage proactive responses to violence and hate.”
Attendees will also experience a virtual tour of Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, visually linking our community to the events unfolding in Israel.
“The event also invites attendees to engage further by participating in advocacy efforts, contributing to fundraising initiatives for affected families, and educating themselves and others about the broader context of violence and trauma,” said Elbaz.
To join this vital conversation and show your support, register here.
