5 minute read
Remembering October 7
November 2024
By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist
More than a year has passed since the devastating attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. In that time, the Jewish community in Charlotte has shown incredible strength and unity, standing together in response to the tragedy. Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (JFGC) has played a vital role in guiding the community’s efforts to support Israel and stand with Jewish people worldwide. From vigils and fundraising to educational initiatives and artistic expressions, Federation has empowered our community to turn grief into action, fostering resilience along the way.
In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, just two days later, Federation organized a vigil that drew an overwhelming number of participants from across Charlotte. The beyond-capacity crowd saw almost 1,000 people gathering to mourn and show solidarity with Israel. The vigil was a testament to our community’s collective strength and desire to come together during a time of unimaginable grief.
Federation swiftly transitioned to leading a broader, coordinated response to support Israel. One of the key components of this response was the Israel Emergency Campaign, initiated by Jewish Federations of North America. Federation, having led similar efforts in past crises, was particularly well-suited to quickly mobilize resources and facilitate the outpouring of support from the community. The campaign raised over $854 million globally, with $597 million already allocated for critical humanitarian aid and economic
recovery. Locally, our greater Charlotte community contributed more than $2.6 million, reflecting incredible generosity and a steadfast commitment to supporting Israel in its time of need. On Federation’s Israel Solidarity Mission in January, members of the Charlotte Jewish community had the opportunity to travel to Israel and see these dollars at work.
Amid the crisis, the rise of antisemitism in the U.S. and abroad added another layer of urgency to the community’s response. Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) took a leading role in advocating for our community’s needs and educating through the Outshine Hate initiative. A series of events, classes, and speakers were organized to promote understanding, combat antisemitism, and build resilience. Federation’s leadership empowered members of our community to learn, engage, and respond thoughtfully to the growing challenges we faced both locally and globally.
Art became another powerful way for our community to process grief and foster connection. Shortly after the attacks, in observance of Chanukah, the “Empty Tables” installation in Uptown Charlotte offered a poignant reminder of the lives lost. Tables with empty settings representing the hostages missing from their families’ Chanukah celebrations became a visual representation that invited the greater Charlotte community at large to reflect on the reality of those so violently taken on October 7.
Soon after, the “Calaniot” project and exhibition emerged as a deeply moving tribute. Community members came together to create hundreds of clay flowers.
The Calaniot, the national flower of Israel, represents resilience, as they bloom even in the harshest environments. Initially displayed at Shalom Park and later moved to the Hebrew Cemetery, this exhibit became a lasting memorial, honoring the lives lost and reflecting Israel’s enduring strength in the face of tragedy.
Building on these artistic expressions, Federation, in collaboration with our Partnership2Gether region in Hadera, Israel, helped bring the “Hinneni” exhibition to life. Featuring memorial pieces by 50 artists from both the U.S. and Israel, this project captured the memories of those tragically killed. Ten of these artworks remain on display at the Speizman Gallery wall, located outside of Gorelick Hall at Shalom Park.
Two of these pieces were created by local Charlotte artists Mike Wirth and Tara Spil. This exhibition provides a shared space for reflection and healing, highlighting the deep bond between our local community and our partners in Israel.
Now, a full year has passed since the attacks, and we came together once more to commemorate the one-year anniversary on October 7, 2024. With hundreds again in attendance, we mourned the lives lost, prayed for the hostages still being held captive, and renewed our commitment to standing with Israel.
As we move forward, Federation continues to prioritize ongoing initiatives like that promote safety, education, and unity. Through LiveSecure, Federation helps to provide vital security training and resources for Jewish communal spaces in Charlotte, ensuring that our community can gather safely and confidently. Security responses are coordinated with local law enforcement, the Secure Community Network (SCN), and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Federation’s advocacy work, led by the JCRC, remains critical in combatting antisemitism at its root through legislative reform and educational programming.
Reflecting on the past year, it’s clear that our community’s response has been rooted in resilience, unity, and action. While Federation led the way, it has always been the collective spirit of our community that has motivated these efforts. From raising millions for Israel to participating in vigils, educational programs, and advocacy efforts, each of us has played a role in shaping this response. We continue to remain united in our commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more connected Jewish future — here in greater Charlotte and in support of our extended family in Israel.
