Event Schedule

5:00–6:00 PM – Pre-Teen Program (Ages 13–18): Wings of Hope + Dinner

6:00–6:30 PM – Open Doors and Exhibition: “Rebuilding Israel”

6:30 PM – Main Gathering: A Musical Journey of Memory, Hope, and Faith with HaShayara – for adults and teens 14+

In Parallel – Children’s Program: Wings of Hope (Ages 3–13)

8:00–8:30 PM – Light Refreshments in the Sukkah

Main Gathering – Adults and Teens (Ages 14+)

Join us for a moving evening with HaShayara, an ensemble of gifted Israeli musicians from the Galilee, as they lead a journey of music and storytelling marking two years since October 7. The program will also feature local voices – cantors, musicians, and students from Brooklyn schools – coming together to create a meaningful ceremony that honors the victims, strengthens communal solidarity, and affirms the values they held dear.

🎵 Get a taste of the HaShayara Ensemble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JsR71W1aU0

Parallel Children’s Program – Wings of Hope

While adults and teens participate in the main ceremony and concert, children ages 3–13 will enjoy an inspiring, hands-on program upstairs. Wings of Hope is a global art initiative that transforms recycled toys into vibrant wings symbolizing resilience and hope. Through this creative activity, children will connect to stories of courage and creativity from Israel in a way that is meaningful and age-appropriate.

The program will be led by Yifat Zazak-Dromi, a member of Kibbutz Kfar Aza and survivor of the October 7 attack. Yifat, a graphic designer and longtime Jewish Agency educator, combines art, education, and community engagement. She created the Wings of Hope initiative in memory of her close friend Livnat Katz and her family, who were murdered on October 7. Through this program, Yifat brings creativity and connection to communities worldwide, honoring their memory and fostering resilience.

🌍 Learn more about the project: www.livnatswings.org/en

🕊️ Pre-Teen Program (Ages 13–18)

We warmly invite youth from Brooklyn, ages 13–18, to arrive at 5:00 PM for a special pre-event program. They will hear Yifat Zazak-Dromi’s powerful story, participate in a discussion and reflection session about October 7 with Lior Lekner, the Brooklyn JAFI shlicha, and learn about the Wings of Hope project. Dinner will be provided for teens registered for this program (limited spots available) before they join the main ceremony.

Welcome Exhibition: Connecting Through Stories and Images

📸 Arrive early to experience the exhibition Rebuilding Israel – Humans of October 7th by Israeli photographer Erez Kaganovitz. This moving project combines portraits and personal stories that honor the victims, survivors, and heroes of October 7, while highlighting the resilience and enduring spirit of Israeli society.

Toy Collection – Community Preparation for the Event

As we prepare for this meaningful gathering, we invite you to join our Wings of Hope initiative by donating small toys that will be transformed into a powerful work of art - a symbol of resilience, creativity, and community spirit.

We are collecting:🧸 Small toys, toy parts, or even old/broken toys🔹 Preferably plastic or metal and easy to handle in size.

How to take part:

✅ Involve your child: talk with them about the project and go through toys together to choose items no longer needed or used.

📍Drop-off points: participating schools and synagogues

📅 Collection deadline: Friday, October 3

For more details, please contact Lior Lekner – JAFI Shlicha at Liorl@jafi.org or the institution you are affiliated with.

Participating Communities: