Community members once again Stood Up for Israel on Oct. 7 as more than 650 people attended the community gathering – Reflection, Resilience, Renewal – at the Weinstein JCC.
The night was filled with music, prayer, and solemnity and began with the reading of the names of nearly 1200 people who lost their lives during the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks. The reading included the lighting of 1,200 candles.
The following were among other community members who read names.
During the main program, Gov. Glenn Youngkin read a Proclamation that declared Oct. 7, 2024, as a day of remembrance for the victims of the savage and brutal attacks on Israel.
Maya Eckstein, an Israel Solidarity Mission participant and JCRC Israel chair, shared a personal message, thanked those in attendance and introduced the program.
A number of other speakers shared personal remarks including Federation President Josh Goldberg; Rob Slotnick, JCRC chair; Josh Wander, representing ZAKA/Israel; Tal Bahar, Community Shlicha; Marvin Daniel, JCRC, and Orly Lewis, CEO, Weinstein JCC.
In addition, community Rabbis recited prayers and offered remarks, Arielle Ragals from the University of Richmond recited a Prayer for Israel, an Interfaith Choir performed several songs and Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman sang Hatikvah with Richmond families of Lone Soldiers joining her on stage.
More than a dozen federal, state and local elected officials joined the gathering.
The following are more photos from the Remembrance.
