Dear Friends,
It’s been an unbearable year since Hamas’ horrific attacks, and I’d like to invite you to commemorate the tragedy that began on October 7 with the J Street community.
It’s been a year of grief for those who lost family and friends in the attack. A year of suffering for the remaining hostages, their loved ones haunted by nightmares of the unknown. A year of pain for Palestinian families that have lost those dear to them, fleeing homes turned to rubble, living in fear and struggling to survive.
It’s more pain than we can bear – and yet, still, there's more. A region now teetering on the abyss of a catastrophic regional war that would put millions more in danger.
J Street invites our supporters to join us and the Progressive Israel Network for two virtual calls as we mourn, grieve and reflect – and attempt to look toward the future, showcase stories of strength and resilience, and hold onto hope.
Our October 8 call will commemorate the dark day a year earlier as we share stories of hostage families, survival, partnership and inspiration.
- Haaretz journalist Amir Tibon will share the harrowing story of his family’s survival and resilience on October 7, and the failures which magnified the horror of the attack.
- Peace activist Roni Keidar, who lives less than two miles from the Gaza border, will share her inspirational, unwavering commitment to peace amid this tragic war.
- Hostage family member Gil Dickmann, whose cousin Carmel Gat was horrifically murdered in Hamas captivity, shares his story and the work of hostage families as they fight for their government to seal a ceasefire and hostage release deal.
- Rabbis for Human Rights Director Avi Dabush survived the October 7 attack in southern Israel, and will discuss that fateful day, his commitment to democracy and vision for the future.
- Arab-Jewish relief center founder Racheli Geffen will share her experience jumping into action in the wake of October 7 to provide Jewish and Arab Israelis with much-needed supplies.
Register to join us on Tuesday, October 8 at 1:30pm Eastern / 10:30am Pacific >>
Our October 10 discussion will focus on Palestinian and broader regional perspectives on the past 12 months, including the catastrophe for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, shifts in Palestinian politics and public opinion, and the impact on the wider Middle East. This webinar will be hosted by the J Street Policy Center, in conjunction with the Progressive Israel Network, and moderated by its director, Dr. Debra Shushan.
- Palestinian peace activist Samer Sinijlawi will discuss the past year’s impact on Palestinians, the pathway out of this catastrophe, the need for new leadership, and how Israelis, Palestinians and the US can work together to ensure the horror of October 7 and the ensuing war can never be repeated.
- Middle East policy expert Merissa Khurma will share her in-depth analysis of the impact of the war across the region, the pathway toward peace and security, and how to grapple with the growing threat of a catastrophic, all-out regional war.
- Humanitarian advocate Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib grew up in Gaza and spent the past year advocating for understanding between Palestinians, Israelis and diaspora communities. He’ll offer us a look into the impact of the war and the need for empathy.
Register to join us on Thursday, October 10 at 2pm Eastern / 11am Pacific >>
In this unbearably painful time, we look forward to hearing from these powerful speakers and experts and spending time in community with members of our movement who share our values and our commitment to working together toward a better future.
I hope you and your family are well, and wishing you a safe and meaningful Rosh Hashanah.
Yours,
Adina Vogel Ayalon
Vice President and Chief of Staff, J Street
