Houston community comes together for emotional Oct. 7 remembrance
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JHV: HAGIT BIBI
Rinat Alatin and Vanesa Kreindel demonstrate their support for Israel during a special Oct. 7 remembrance service at Congregation Beth Yeshurun. The service, put together by the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, was co-sponsored by dozens of Houston synagogues and Jewish organizations and attended by more than 2,000 community members. |
More than 2,000 attend evening of Israel unity organized by Jewish Federation of Greater Houston
A large Israeli flag draped over her shoulders, Vanesa Kreindel took her place at Houston’s remembrance service marking one year since Oct. 7. She was there to show her support for Israel, to be with others and to mourn lives lost.
She also was there for her son.
While the news of last year’s massacre was unfolding, native Houstonian Nico Kreindel, 19, was visiting Israel. He was on a Young Judaea Gap Year trip with an eye toward college. Events of that day changed his life’s trajectory. He returned home in May and, three months later, moved to Raanana with Garin Tzabar and will be enlisted in the IDF in December.
“On one side, I’m very, very proud, but the other side, I’m very scared. And it’s not easy to go through this, especially with the situation going on now,” Kreindel told the JHV. “He’s going to turn 20 next week.”
The citywide event to commemorate the tragedy of Oct. 7 was sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and 50 other local Jewish organizations. The evening’s program focused on “Remembrance, Unity and Hope” and included songs, prayers and remarks from community leaders.
Held at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, the service drew more than 2,000 people – so many that the synagogue was at capacity in the Barg Sanctuary with overflow seating in the Freedman-Levit Sanctuary where the program was livestreamed. Across 12 countries, 1,000 active users livestreamed the event.
The service opened with an emotional series of shofar blasts by Sheldon Bootin, followed by a moving rendition of “Eli, Eli” by Cantors Francyne Davis-Jacobs, Diane Dorf, Kenny Feibush, Rachel Goldman, David Krohn, Mark Levine, Rollin Simmons, Vadim Tunitsky and Renee Waghalter. The bimah was filled with clergy representing synagogues throughout the region and heads of sponsoring organizations. Robin Stein, Federation board chair, was flanked partner organizations’ board chairs while she welcomed the crowd and set the somber mood.
“While we struggle with the events of the past year, we hope that tonight we can be together as a community and demonstrate that we remain resolute in our support of Israel and the Israeli people,” said Stein. “During this dark year, we have received great support from allies in our broader community.
“We are honored that many distinguished local, state and federal elected officials are with us tonight. These individuals have shown consistent courage and leadership. They know the difference between good and evil, and they intuitively understand that moral clarity isn’t dependent upon context.”
Attending the service were representatives from the offices of both U.S. senators from Texas and a half-dozen congressional members; state Sen. Borris Miles; several Texas state representatives; consular offices from 11 countries; six City of Houston Council members; former Houston mayors, Annise Parker and Sylvester Turner; County Attorney Christian Menefee; Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen and Precinct 3 County Comm. Tom Ramsey. Video messages from Gov. Greg Abbott and Houston Mayor John Whitmire, among others, were shown on screens throughout the sanctuary.
“You got a lot of Jewish hate all over the globe,” former Mayor Turner told the JHV. “So, I think it’s important that all of us continue to stand up against Jewish hate and stand up against the evil that Hamas and Hezbollah have demonstrated. ... It’s an ongoing effort. You have to continue to stand with your friends. And that’s what we’re doing tonight and that’s why I’m here.”
Federation shaliach Aviv Ben Tovim served in the IDF Reserves until the day before he and his wife, JCC shlichah Shir Benjamin, flew to Houston. He recounted the harrowing scene when he arrived at a kibbutz just hours after Hamas attacked, and the terror he felt when two terrorists, hiding in the brush waiting to ambush the soldiers, were shot and killed.
Israel Consul and Deputy Chief of Mission Elad Shoshan spoke of the horrors of the Hamas attack, the ongoing war and the immense amount of support Houston Jews are providing Israel. “Oct. 7 did not end on Oct. 7,” Consul Shoshan said. “We cannot move forward until [the hostages] will all be free.”
Rabbi Yitzchak Sprung recited Psalm 121, Rabbis Oren Hayon and Ranon Teller led prayers for the State of Israel, the hostages and Rabbis Gideon Estes, Edwin Goldberg, Steve Gross, Scott Hausman-Weiss, Adrienne Scott and Laura Sheinkopf recited “Al Ha’Ahava.” Shir Benjamin, Geffen Lahav and Isabelle Marom led the prayer for the IDF.
In addition to the music of the cantors, there were musical performances by Emery/Weiner students Annie Katz and Carly Katz, Hazzan Krohn and Ziv Cohen-Shalit. Poems were read in Hebrew and in English by Yael Kalet and Adi Radziner, and Rabbi David Lyon led a responsive reading.
Offering rabbinical insights, Rabbi Brian Strauss said, “I came across a statement made by Ismail Haniyah, the former head of Hamas, during a period of ongoing suicide bombings in 2002. He stated that Hamas had finally gained the upper hand over Israelis because they had discovered their weak spot. He said, ‘It’s that Jews love life more than any other people. They prefer not to die.’
“I hate to use the words of a terrorist, especially tonight,” said Rabbi Strauss, “but he was right, and that is what is bringing me some comfort and hope. We Jews do have a tremendous love for life. My friends, our love for life is not a weakness, it’s our greatest strength.”
The Houston community – through the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston – has raised a historic $15.2 million in support of Israel emergency efforts. To date, $14,100,204 million has been distributed to more than 64 partners and programs, making an immediate impact where it is most needed, explained Federation president and CEO Renée Wizig-Barrios.
For nearly a century, the Jewish Federations of North America has built global partnerships and infrastructure that enable needs to be met whenever and wherever they arise. Hence, the Federation was ready, on Oct. 8, to support our brothers and sisters in Israel.
“Persecution against Jews is nothing new. Over and over again, we have faced it for centuries, and we have persevered. Seeing each of you tonight, I understand how and why. By being here tonight, you, along with our partners and allies and representatives, are all making a bold statement,” said Wizig-Barrios.” We will not live in fear.”
Am Yisrael Chai!
A large Israeli flag draped over her shoulders, Vanesa Kreindel took her place at Houston’s remembrance service marking one year since Oct. 7. She was there to show her support for Israel, to be with others and to mourn lives lost.
She also was there for her son.
While the news of last year’s massacre was unfolding, native Houstonian Nico Kreindel, 19, was visiting Israel. He was on a Young Judaea Gap Year trip with an eye toward college. Events of that day changed his life’s trajectory. He returned home in May and, three months later, moved to Raanana with Garin Tzabar and will be enlisted in the IDF in December.
“On one side, I’m very, very proud, but the other side, I’m very scared. And it’s not easy to go through this, especially with the situation going on now,” Kreindel told the JHV. “He’s going to turn 20 next week.”
The citywide event to commemorate the tragedy of Oct. 7 was sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and 50 other local Jewish organizations. The evening’s program focused on “Remembrance, Unity and Hope” and included songs, prayers and remarks from community leaders.
Held at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, the service drew more than 2,000 people – so many that the synagogue was at capacity in the Barg Sanctuary with overflow seating in the Freedman-Levit Sanctuary where the program was livestreamed. Across 12 countries, 1,000 active users livestreamed the event.
The service opened with an emotional series of shofar blasts by Sheldon Bootin, followed by a moving rendition of “Eli, Eli” by Cantors Francyne Davis-Jacobs, Diane Dorf, Kenny Feibush, Rachel Goldman, David Krohn, Mark Levine, Rollin Simmons, Vadim Tunitsky and Renee Waghalter. The bimah was filled with clergy representing synagogues throughout the region and heads of sponsoring organizations. Robin Stein, Federation board chair, was flanked partner organizations’ board chairs while she welcomed the crowd and set the somber mood.
“While we struggle with the events of the past year, we hope that tonight we can be together as a community and demonstrate that we remain resolute in our support of Israel and the Israeli people,” said Stein. “During this dark year, we have received great support from allies in our broader community.
“We are honored that many distinguished local, state and federal elected officials are with us tonight. These individuals have shown consistent courage and leadership. They know the difference between good and evil, and they intuitively understand that moral clarity isn’t dependent upon context.”
Attending the service were representatives from the offices of both U.S. senators from Texas and a half-dozen congressional members; state Sen. Borris Miles; several Texas state representatives; consular offices from 11 countries; six City of Houston Council members; former Houston mayors, Annise Parker and Sylvester Turner; County Attorney Christian Menefee; Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen and Precinct 3 County Comm. Tom Ramsey. Video messages from Gov. Greg Abbott and Houston Mayor John Whitmire, among others, were shown on screens throughout the sanctuary.
“You got a lot of Jewish hate all over the globe,” former Mayor Turner told the JHV. “So, I think it’s important that all of us continue to stand up against Jewish hate and stand up against the evil that Hamas and Hezbollah have demonstrated. ... It’s an ongoing effort. You have to continue to stand with your friends. And that’s what we’re doing tonight and that’s why I’m here.”
Federation shaliach Aviv Ben Tovim served in the IDF Reserves until the day before he and his wife, JCC shlichah Shir Benjamin, flew to Houston. He recounted the harrowing scene when he arrived at a kibbutz just hours after Hamas attacked, and the terror he felt when two terrorists, hiding in the brush waiting to ambush the soldiers, were shot and killed.
Israel Consul and Deputy Chief of Mission Elad Shoshan spoke of the horrors of the Hamas attack, the ongoing war and the immense amount of support Houston Jews are providing Israel. “Oct. 7 did not end on Oct. 7,” Consul Shoshan said. “We cannot move forward until [the hostages] will all be free.”
Rabbi Yitzchak Sprung recited Psalm 121, Rabbis Oren Hayon and Ranon Teller led prayers for the State of Israel, the hostages and Rabbis Gideon Estes, Edwin Goldberg, Steve Gross, Scott Hausman-Weiss, Adrienne Scott and Laura Sheinkopf recited “Al Ha’Ahava.” Shir Benjamin, Geffen Lahav and Isabelle Marom led the prayer for the IDF.
In addition to the music of the cantors, there were musical performances by Emery/Weiner students Annie Katz and Carly Katz, Hazzan Krohn and Ziv Cohen-Shalit. Poems were read in Hebrew and in English by Yael Kalet and Adi Radziner, and Rabbi David Lyon led a responsive reading.
Offering rabbinical insights, Rabbi Brian Strauss said, “I came across a statement made by Ismail Haniyah, the former head of Hamas, during a period of ongoing suicide bombings in 2002. He stated that Hamas had finally gained the upper hand over Israelis because they had discovered their weak spot. He said, ‘It’s that Jews love life more than any other people. They prefer not to die.’
“I hate to use the words of a terrorist, especially tonight,” said Rabbi Strauss, “but he was right, and that is what is bringing me some comfort and hope. We Jews do have a tremendous love for life. My friends, our love for life is not a weakness, it’s our greatest strength.”
The Houston community – through the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston – has raised a historic $15.2 million in support of Israel emergency efforts. To date, $14,100,204 million has been distributed to more than 64 partners and programs, making an immediate impact where it is most needed, explained Federation president and CEO Renée Wizig-Barrios.
For nearly a century, the Jewish Federations of North America has built global partnerships and infrastructure that enable needs to be met whenever and wherever they arise. Hence, the Federation was ready, on Oct. 8, to support our brothers and sisters in Israel.
“Persecution against Jews is nothing new. Over and over again, we have faced it for centuries, and we have persevered. Seeing each of you tonight, I understand how and why. By being here tonight, you, along with our partners and allies and representatives, are all making a bold statement,” said Wizig-Barrios.” We will not live in fear.”
Am Yisrael Chai!
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