October 7: Voices of Survivors and Witnesses

October 7.

The date evokes a harrowing fear. The news broke worldwide that on the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, Hamas terrorists had descended on the Supernova Music Festival, several nearby communities near the Gaza Strip, and IDF bases, brutally slaughtering anyone in their path; wiping out families and tearing apart entire families; and kidnapping over two hundred innocent civilians. As footage made its way across the internet and eventually into the hands of news stations and publications, mainstream media outlets quickly deemed most of it too graphic to reveal to audiences. Still images surfaced of a brutality beyond comprehension.

This collection of writings by survivors of the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust is groundbreaking in scope and detail. These raw, first-hand accounts memorialize the murdered and keep that day alive in our collective conscience. The events of October 7 will never be forgotten by those who were witnesses, and the impact must be shared with the rest of the world.

As one survivor writes, "The whole world needs to know what we've been through."

In these writings, we learn of the many acts of heroism that such events so often inspire. And we read of the agonizing pain a parent of a child taken hostage endures; tributes to a fallen father who died protecting his disabled daughter; poems honoring lost sons, daughters, husbands, and wives; recalls of the Torah; and pleas for peace.

Each portrayal opens wide the door to grief, giving the reader an unfiltered account of that terrible day. Some of these writings may be difficult to read, but it is vital that we do read them and understand the impact that day has had on so many lives.

Proceeds from the publication of this book will be provided to organizations that support the survivors and their families.