“When we opened the door of our safe room, the sounds of chaos came rushing in. Explosions. Gunfire. Shouting. Something whistled. We didn’t see anything, but we heard everything. We had opened the door into a war.”
These were the words of David Boltiansky as he stood before nearly 3,000 people from our Greater MetroWest NJ community, sharing his family’s harrowing escape from Kibbutz Kfar Aza one year ago on October 7.
A Community United
The event, October 7: Marking One Year, was a solemn memorial service honoring those who lost their lives in the attacks and the ongoing conflict, as well as offering prayers for the hostages still being held. Throughout the evening, we heard firsthand stories from survivors, joined in mesmerizing prayer and melodies with the talented Noam Buskila, honored the clergy, expressed gratitude to our elected officials, and found comfort in being together.
We also had the opportunity to introduce our Rishonim, an inspiring group of Israeli teen emissaries, here to share their experiences and connect with our community through a mutual love and responsibility for Israel.
Speakers from the Greater MetroWest community joined us, including Event Chairs Deborah and Gregg Jacob and Daniella & Ben Hoffer, along with Federation President, Michael Goldberg, and Interim CEO, Steven D. Levy, who led us in the moving kaddish prayer for all the lives taken from us.
A Moment of Solidarity
The evening brought together more than 30 elected officials, including Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, Attorney General Matt Platkin, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Rep. Tom Kean, Jr., Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Rep. LaMonica McIver, and more than 20 other state senators, assembly members, mayors, town council members, and county commissioners. When their steadfast support of the Jewish community was recognized, the entire crowd erupted in a standing ovation.
You could feel it in the air. We were part of something truly extraordinary.
It was a moment that gave us chills—charged with energy, appreciation, and a deep sense of belonging. Interfaith leaders and clergy stood side by side with our Jewish brothers and sisters, reminding us that no matter our faith, we are one community.
On display were nine empty chairs. Eight represented the victims of October 7, both those who perished and those still in captivity. The ninth chair symbolized the brave soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces who have fallen in the ongoing struggle since that tragic day.
“We Will Outlast Them All”
Joe Gindi, a Rutgers University student who testified about antisemitism on campus in front of the House Committee on Education last spring, took the stage to share his personal experiences from the past year, including the disturbing rise of antisemitism on his college campus. His message resonated deeply:
“For 3,000 years, they have said the end of Israel was coming or had already come. Well, for 3,000 years we have not only survived, we have outlasted them all. We will outlast this moment. October 7 revealed the hatred that has lain dormant in our society, and it is our obligation to fight this hatred and make our universities, and ultimately our country, a place where Jews and all lovers of liberty and freedom are welcomed.”
Rising with Strength and Resilience
While the event was an opportunity to mourn and reflect, everyone left feeling stronger and more connected.
Though rockets fall on Israel, thousands of miles away, their explosions are felt intensely close. Our loved ones are in danger and antisemitism corrodes our schools. Yet, through it all, this event was a much-needed reminder that “we got this.”
As long as we have each other and are threaded into this thick, woven tapestry of community, we will have the strength to pull through.
Despite the pain we’ve faced, we can—and will—continue to rise. We will continue to stand tall, support each other and our communities, both here and in Israel, knowing that together, we are greater.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Watch the full event recording here. Photos from the evening can be viewed here.