By: Ella Kadosh ’30
October 7th, 2023, changed Israel and Jewish communities around the world forever. What began as an ordinary morning quickly turned into one of the darkest days in Israel’s and the Jewish people’s history. Hamas killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages into Gaza. Families were torn apart, communities were devastated, and a whole nation was left grieving for their loved ones.
The impact of October 7th went far beyond the initial attack. The massacre led to 3 years of war on 7 fronts, brought tragedy to innocent civilians across the region, and reshaped the political climate throughout the Middle East. At TLS, many students have strong connections to Israel, and the heavy day with its ensuing effects was certainly felt by the student population.
Sophomore Frankie Lehman recalls the morning’s memories, waking up to the news and seeing videos of the attacks unfold.
“On October 7th, I remember waking up to the news that our people and our nation were being torn apart,” Lehman said. “I felt scared.”
The events also changed how she viewed her Jewish identity and her responsibility to speak up for her community. “Today, I have made it one of the most important things to make sure that I spread the truth and stand up for my people,” Lehman explained. She added that she found greater pride in her identity and connection to Israel post-October 7th and that remembering October 7th is especially important for the next generation.
Freshman Eitan Berebi also vividly remembers the start of the attack. “When I went to synagogue that morning, nobody knew what happened,” Berebi said. “I remember telling everyone what happened and they were confused.”
Sophomore Kyla Gurvitch described October 7th as a moment that changed her perspective on being Jewish. Although she thought the situation would pass quickly, she soon realized how serious it was. The experience made her more aware of antisemitism and strengthened her connection to the Jewish community.
“I wasn’t going to hide in fear of being Jewish,” Gurvitch said. After attending a march in Washington D.C. to bring the hostages home, Gurvitch truly realized that she was not alone and that the Jewish community stood together.
Junior Chloe Kornberg also remembered how shocking it was to learn that Israel was at war. An eighth-grader at the time, she hadn’t fully understood the Israeli-Palestinian conflict before October 7th. In the years that followed, she learned more about Israel and developed a stronger connection to it.
Reflecting on what she learned, Kornberg explained that the experience showed her how strong the Jewish people can be. She described the importance of remembering the tragedies while also celebrating moments of hope, including the return of hostages.
Now, 3 years later, it’s challenging to know how exactly to commemorate this day. But reflecting on the emotion of the day and the simultaneous hope that we’ve developed since then helps us to understand that this day still holds incredible heaviness, but it’s crucial to look towards the promising future of the Jewish people.
