By Carl Zebrowski
Editor

The October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel brought a new focus to the work of Tel Aviv photojournalist Erez Kaganovitz. In the aftermath of this deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, he launched the project he calls “Humans of October 7th.”

Our Lehigh Valley Jewish community will unite at the JCC with Kaganovitz on October 16 to remember October 7 and the devastation that has followed. Community members will get to view Kagaznovitz’s “Humans of October 7th” photography exhibit and join him in an open dialogue reflecting on the hope and resilience we’ve all witnessed in Israel and in global Jewish communities and pondering the postwar future of Israeli society rebuilt. 

“I feel a deep responsibility to honor the stories of hope, resilience, bravery, and heroism shown by countless Israelis who stood up against terror on and after October 7,” Kaganovitz says. “In my experience, highlighting these human stories offers a powerful and moving reflection of what Israeli society truly represents.”

That and more are what he hopes for the “Humans of October 7th” event here. “I believe this exhibition can serve as a profound tribute to commemorate the second remembrance day of the October 7 attack,” he explains, “a space to honor the victims and celebrate the enduring strength of a nation that refuses to be broken.”

The TEDx speaker and creator of the “Humans of Israel” and “Humans of the Holocaust” projects is ideally suited for this event featuring a collection of moving photographs of post-10/7 Israel as well as an informative, constructive discussion. He says his work and efforts have always helped bridge cultural gaps in society both within and outside of Israel. He aims to encourage understanding, emotional connection, and a feeling of unity to people around the world.

“‘Humans of October 7th’ brings to light the human stories of the unique Israelis who decided to rebuild Israel stronger and better than before,” he says. “It shows the incredible spirit, resilience, and endless optimism of the Israeli people who decided to take faith into their own hands and rebuild themselves, their communities, and the country as a whole. 

“It’s about civilian valor, mutual responsibility, and tikkun olam (repairing the world), offering a space to both honor the victims and celebrate the enduring strength of Israeli society.”

The October 16 commemoration event, presented by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s NextGen and co-chaired by NextGen’s Chelsea Busch, Gia Jones, Bill Miner, and Lyell Scherline, begins with a gallery reception in the JCC at 6 p.m. Kaganovitz’s presentation and dialogue with the audience begins at 7. 

Registration is required at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/october-7-commemoration. Bring a photo ID to the event for security purposes.