The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) hosted a powerful and timely event on Tuesday, 17th December, titled “October 7th: Courage and Resilience”. The evening brought together an audience deeply moved by the stories of heroism, survival, and hope shared by Hadassah Ben Ari, author of Heroes of October 7th: Heroic Stories for Children, and Carmel Efron, a survivor of the Nova Festival massacre.
The event resonated strongly with attendees, offering a space for reflection, unity, and healing in the wake of the tragic events of October 7th, 2023. The NJA was proud to host this event, which underscored the incredible strength of the Jewish spirit and the importance of sharing stories to honour the memory of the victims of October 7.s
Hadassah Ben Ari spoke passionately about her book, which brings to life moments of courage and selflessness from October 7th in a way that is both age-appropriate and uplifting for children. She shared her mission to provide families with a tool to address trauma and teach resilience through true stories of heroism.
Carmel Efron delivered a deeply personal and harrowing account of her survival at the Nova Festival. Her testimony was a stark reminder of the brutality faced on that day but also a testament to the indomitable will to live and rebuild. Her words, filled with raw emotion and determination, left a lasting impression on all present.
Keith Rowe, NJA Vice Chairman, remarked: “This event was not just about recounting tragedy but about celebrating the extraordinary courage shown by individuals who stood against unimaginable adversity. It is our duty to ensure these stories are heard and remembered.”
The NJA extends its gratitude to the event’s speakers and the engaged audience for contributing to such a meaningful evening. Events like these remind us of the importance of unity, remembrance, and hope in overcoming darkness.
