It’s been two years since October 7, 2023. Two whole years since the day where Jewish people were impacted by the violent massacre in Israel. Now, years later, the Jewish community still feels the grief and tragedy of the day. On Friday, October 3rd, Gilad Segev, founder of the Project HEROES non-profit initiative, came to de Toledo to perform in commemoration of the heroes of October 7th. In a de Toledo instagram post, the school shared that “dTHS came together to reflect on Jewish heroism through song, videos, and open dialogue.”
One thing that remained consistent throughout the performance was the focus on heroism. Gilad made sure to emphasize that these people who died are heroes, rather than only victims. The Project HEROES website says their goal is to “change the Jewish narrative from victimhood to heroism and develop a greater sense of Jewish pride.”
The shift in narrative needs to work inside-out, Project HEROES writes. First, it will strengthen the Jewish community and create a new generation of strong, young Jews who are ready to combat the raging antisemitism. It also aims to later change the first association of the word Jewish to the word hero worldwide.
Segar sang six impactful songs, each in memory of a hero. “You are Israel,” in memory of Amer Abu Sabia, “Lone Soldier,” in memory of Rose Lubin, “The One Who Stayed,” in memory of Liran Barda, “Forever Inside Me,” in memory of Netta Epstein, “With Bare Hands” in memory Jonathan Elazari, and “Hello” in the memory of and with Amit Mann. In combination with the songs, a screen displayed artistic videos designed to drive home the themes of the program.
Each song was beautiful and touching, but a particularly important one was a cover of Adele’s “Hello” Sung by Segar and a recording of Amit Mann. Amit dreamed of becoming a singer, and having people hear her voice. She was someone who wanted to make an impact, and that she did, as a paramedic, saving many lives on October 7th. She ran toward the violence, not away, in hopes of helping any wounded. The video shows beautiful peaceful landscapes turned into destroyed desolate places, woven in with Amit singing. Her voice, in combination with Segar’s, reminded us that even if she is gone, her contribution to the world stays with us. She and others like her made an impact that will never be forgotten.
Another special song is “You are Israel,” for Amer Abu Sabia. He was killed trying to save two young girls. The song is filled with different places and people holding blue triangles together, forming the magen david, symbolizing the fact that Israel is a part of us, and Israel is made up of people like Abu Sabia. The song goes, “If you stand with Israel, you are Israel,” connecting him to every Israeli. He chose to help people he did not know. Regardless of who they were, they shared an identity that connected them and connected all people who want to fight for the good of people everywhere. Abu Sabia stood not only with Israel, but with life, and with people. The song, and the video show just what he was fighting for, the kind of people he saved, and the hero he was.
As the final song ended, students were left inspired by Gilad’s message. The performance is a reminder that pride, strength, and heroism will continue to empower the Jewish story.
