When the students of Northern Virginia’s Gesher Jewish Day School stood up to sing Am Yisrael Chai, the entire room joined them. Nearly 250 people had gathered at Pozez JCC, with another 300 watching online. Some had never been to the J before. There were no speeches or podiums, just music, stories, and the shared experience of remembering. But when the students began to sing, generations came together in a single voice.

It was one of many powerful moments across Greater Washington on October 7, as thousands of community members gathered to mark three years since the attacks in Israel at commemorations hosted by three lead partners: Bender JCC in Maryland, Pozez JCC in Northern Virginia, and Washington Hebrew Congregation in DC.

While each gathering had its own character, all three were part of a coordinated regional initiative supported by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Recognizing the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for remembrance, Federation made a significant investment in three regional anchor commemorations, partnering with local organizations to bring each event to life. That support extended well beyond funding: Federation helped connect community partners and provided programming consultation with help from our shlichim, Israeli emissaries.

The vision was twofold. Create opportunities for Greater Washington to come together around a shared moment of remembrance, while giving each region the flexibility to shape an experience that reflects its own community. The result was three deeply meaningful evenings, each distinct in its programming and partnerships, but united in purpose.

A Song That Connected Generations

In Northern Virginia, Pozez JCC brought together ten community organizations for an evening of music and personal stories. Alongside songs honoring those lost, attendees encountered recipes from the kitchens of hostage families, offering an intimate connection to the people and families whose lives were forever changed. The evening culminated in the Gesher students’ rendition of Am Yisrael Chai, a reminder that the responsibility of remembering belongs to every generation.

“This evening was built by ten community organizations, side by side, and made possible by Federation,” said Chen Mordechai-Kedar, Community Shlicha for Northern Virginia. “Your support is what turns grief into togetherness, and togetherness into hope.”

The Musicians Who Traveled From Israel to Be There

In Washington DC, the melodies of Hashayara, whose musicians traveled from Israel to be with the community, brought a special poignancy to the evening hosted at Washington Hebrew Congregation. Their music offered comfort, connection, and a reminder of the enduring ties between Greater Washington and Israel.

As people from across the city walked through the doors, it was clear that there was a deep desire to be together and feel connected. People of all ages and stages stood side by side, remembering those lost and reflecting on how we continue to heal, both individually and as a community. Through memorial candle lighting, music, and shared stories, the evening created space for grief, reflection, and hope for a better tomorrow.

The gathering also brought together representatives of more than a dozen local synagogues and community organizations, many of whom don’t often have the opportunity to interact.

“We are grateful to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington for their financial and programmatic support, to Temple Sinai for their meaningful contribution, and to all of the organizations that stood as one,” said Ira Miller, Director of Programming at Washington Hebrew Congregation. “We are indebted to Hashayara for their beautiful voices and even more, being with us on this difficult day, coming all the way from Israel, to lift us up and give us hope.”

The Art of Nova Survivors and the Stories Behind It

With leadership from the Bender JCC in Maryland, seventeen organizations joined forces to create a deeply moving evening that brought together people of different ages, backgrounds, and affiliations, united by a shared commitment to remembrance.

Through music, personal stories, and moments of reflection, attendees honored the lives lost, the communities shattered, the courage of those who stepped forward, and the resilience of the people of Israel. The evening also offered an opportunity to turn remembrance into meaningful action. Through a special shuk (market) featuring artwork created by Nova festival survivors and products from a kibbutz in the Gaza Envelope, community members were able to directly support the people rebuilding their lives after tragedy.

“Perhaps the most meaningful part of the evening was the collaboration itself,” shared Tamar Pinto of Israeli American Council (IAC), one of the partner organizations of the Maryland commemoration. “As we move further away from October 2023, it becomes even more important to intentionally create spaces where our community can come together to remember, share, and reflect.”

Aimee Segal, Chief Program and Innovation Officer at Bender JCC, reflected on how that collaboration came to life: “I was most touched by how each of the 17 partners chose to use their voice in a range of distinct ways,” she said, through poignant dedications, music, dance, a cappella performances, youth voices, and multicultural musicians.

What We Build Together Lasts Beyond One Evening

Behind each of these gatherings was an extraordinary network of local partners working together. Federation is deeply grateful to Pozez JCC, Washington Hebrew Congregation, Bender JCC, and the many synagogues, schools, community organizations, performers, and volunteers who contributed their time, creativity, and care. Their partnership made these evenings possible and demonstrated what the Greater Washington community can accomplish when organizations come together around a common purpose.

Three years after October 7, the need to remember remains deeply personal. So does the need to feel connected to Israel and to one another. Through Federation’s Israel strategy, including our Shlichim program and Israel engagement initiatives, there are many ways to build relationships with Israelis and stay connected to Israel throughout the year.

Explore Federation’s Shlichim program and learn more about our work in Israel since October 7 to discover how to get involved.