As We Reflect on the Anniversary of October 7th, One Question Remains Central: How Can We as a Collective Heal from Such a Tragic Event?
More than 15 months after the October 7th attack on Israel, the Jewish and Israeli communities continue to grapple with the tragic loss of life (Image via National Library Of Israel)
Written by Brody S. ‘27
Over 365 days after 10/7/23, a lot has changed. Constant discourse and protest have followed the deadliest event in modern Jewish history, its survivors sharing their stories to the world. Various exhibits centered on capturing the harrowing moments of that fated day have swept the world, forcing all to bear eye and ear to the tragic events that occurred on that fated dawn following Sukkot. We can only heal after we’ve understood, no matter how brutal the subject matter is.
Thousands were shaken, and for a moment, the world stood silent.
On that day, 254 people were taken hostage and more than 1,200 people from over 30 countries killed - 46 of whom were American citizens.(Statement by Vice President Harris Marking One Year Since the October 7th Attack)
When talking about life a year on from the attacks, Gal Cohen-Solal, an Israeli father of 3 toddlers from Kibbutz Reim, remarked that his children often cry at night “that they don’t want to die because they are still children” (The Spokesman-Review). The traumatic attacks continue to cast a shadow over the daily lives of thousands, especially those considered “the lucky ones”, escaping with their lives, albeit forced to accept that they’ll truly never be the same.
That returns us to our central question: in the face of such devastating events, how can we even begin the process of healing?
An immediate response is through the connection and understanding conjured up by exhibits like Nova, which transports attendees back to October 7th in jarring detail, forcing true discussion and emotional understanding. In cases like these, sometimes the only way to move on from the event is by returning to it, confronting the “monster under the bed” of sorts. We, as both a global and Jewish community, can find strength and hope in facing these painful memories together.
A crucial area of the healing process is remembrance, pointedly through living with purpose and intention. Their memories must be honored properly, and there’s no way more proper than continuing forward - understanding that by living fully, with compassion and courage, we honor those no longer with us in the best way possible. Together, we can rise, and Together, we can move forward.
Lastly, there’s discussion and community, an aspect of healing which has found a home in various spaces, Browning’s campus included.
On college campuses, organizations like Hillel have offered an opportunity to confide in the support of one another. At Browning, the Jewish Alliance Group offers weekly discussion, and constant opportunity for emotional solace and reflection.
As we reflect on October 7th, I implore each of you to remember, to connect, and to honor those affected by fostering compassion, dialogue, and unity.