A field in Raleigh will be filled with 1,200 Israeli flags. Teens in Charlotte will create an art installation titled “We Will Dance Again.” In New Orleans, university students will gather for a candlelight vigil and concert of hope by Black and Jewish musicians. The Savannah Philharmonic will play pieces composed since October 7th – the day that changed the landscape of Jewish life forever.  

 

Those programs are just a few of the 400 campus and community organizations across 180 North American cities that received funding from Jewish Federations of North America. This initiative, in partnership with several philanthropic foundations, is part of the 'October 7th: Marking One Year' project, commemorating the anniversary of the horrific Hamas terror attacks on Israel. 

 

October 7, 2023, was a turning point in modern Jewish history due to the tragic events of the day and the monumental developments that followed. By coming together, these events offer a chance for the Jewish community together with our allies to express heartfelt solidarity with Israel and its people. 

 

“Community-wide gatherings marking one year since October 7, 2023, will be an important opportunity to unite the Jewish community and its allies, reflect on the year we have been through, reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with Israel, and reiterate our commitment to combating antisemitism across North America,” said Jewish Federations Executive Vice President Shira Hutt.  

 

Through eight funding partners, Jewish Federations offered microgrants totaling over $1 million to 400 community and campus organizations to help uplift events and bring people together. 

 

Commemoration events will occur from Salt Lake City and Vancouver to Buffalo and New York City. A list of events can be found on MarkingOctober7.org. Beginning on October 7, the site will display photos of commemorations as they take place, as well as links to livestreamed events.  

 

“This moment is about coming together – the Jewish community, allies, civic and business leaders, to remember and honor the lives lost, the heroes who are serving, and the victims being held hostage by Hamas,” Hutt said. “But these commemorations are also about our collective resiliency and the strength we draw from one another in these difficult times.”  

 

Marking October 7 funding partners include the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, The Jane and Daniel Och Family Foundation, Jim Joseph Foundation, Kirsh Foundation, Maimonides Fund, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, The Paul E. Singer Foundation, The Russell Berrie Foundation, and Jewish Federations of North America. 

 

Click here for a list of grantees.