The Jewish and Israel Clubs held a unity vigil after school on Oct. 30 to honor innocent victims who were killed in the Hamas-launched terrorist attack early last month. Here’s a recap of the event:
The vigil featured speakers, choir and orchestra. Students gathered in the B-building patio that day to honor and remember the innocent victims lost in the Oct. 7 terrorist attack. There was also a table in which people could donate to a drive collecting supplies in support of Israel. Senior Odelia Shofet, president of the Israel Club said, “[the vigil] is bringing light in a time of darkness. We are launching an initiative to do a good thing.”
Like the many other events that the two clubs have been holding over the past weeks, this one had a large turnout, with the B-Building patio full of people honoring the victims lost. Jewish Club President Asher Ahdoot said, “We had a resounding success where we saw more people than we could’ve even believed.” He and Odelia both tell students to “stay informed and be strong.”
Junior Ava Hollander, who spoke at the vigil, said, “It’s all about focusing on the positive, focusing on helping people, and spreading awareness.” In her speech, she talked about her friends who were in Israel, describing their harrowing experiences.
The vigil also featured well-known community members like Board Member Mary Wells, who, when asked about how the board is helping to support students in this troubling time, referenced a resolution passed on Oct. 24 to “take a stand against antisemitism.”
Students, staff, parents and members of the community had the opportunity to light a candle to honor a victim lost, with former Mayor Lili Bosse lighting the final candle of the night.
A major talking point of the event was the stark national increase in antisemitism since the terrorist attacks. The Anti Defamation League reported preliminary numbers of a shocking 388% increase in antisemitic incidents since Oct. 7.
City council woman Sharona Nazarian — who also spoke at the event — told students to “not be afraid and to be strong. If you see something, say something. We have a united community and you (students) have an entire army of parents, administrators, city council members, school board members, that are by your side, and they will help to protect you.”
