Marking October 7th
Overview
October 7th, 2023 was a day of profound loss, as Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israel, taking lives, tearing families apart, and shaking communities worldwide. Our sorrow remains, but so does our unbreakable spirit.
Each year, Milwaukee Jewish Federation, our partners, and our allies come together, as one united community, to mark this dark day.
October 7th, 2026
As One, Commemorating Three Years Since October 7th
Together, we gathered to unite as one community, honor those that we have lost, and find strength in one another.
Through six workshops spanning art, media, movement, sacred text, conversation and powerful Israeli stories of transformation, we explored ways to reflect, heal, and connect. We hope these experiences provided moments of comfort, meaning and hope.
As continue our journey from grief toward growth, may we carry the evening’s spirit forward and aspire together to a better future for the Jewish people in Israel, Milwaukee, and around the world.
Thank you to our fantastic co-chairs Laurel & Brian Bear for their leadership in creating this event and to everyone that attended.
Details
What is the October 7th program about?
The October 7th program is a community gathering to remember and honor the lives impacted by the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. It creates space for collective mourning, reflection, and resilience, while strengthening connection and solidarity within the Jewish community and its allies. The program also affirms the enduring strength of the Jewish people and the importance of standing together in the face of tragedy and ongoing conflict.
Who should attend?
This program is open to community members who wish to remember October 7, support one another, and stand in solidarity with Israel and the global Jewish community. It is especially meaningful for those seeking connection, reflection, and a shared space to process the lasting impact of that day.
What should I expect?
Participants can expect a thoughtful and meaningful experience that includes opportunities for remembrance, personal reflection, and community connection. The program may include music, poetry, storytelling, text study, and meditation, followed by a collective gathering to share reflections and affirm resilience. The atmosphere is respectful, supportive, and centered on healing, unity, and hope.
Connect
Tziporah (Tzipi) Altman-Shafer is the Vice President of Jewish Communal Life and Learning. She is responsible for overseeing the Israel Center. She works with lay leaders in determining all Israel and Overseas allocations for Federation. Her responsibilities include directing the Coalition for Jewish Learning, providing support to all our local Jewish schools and educators, and overseeing the Planning Department, which is responsible for all local allocations.
Tzipi grew up in Milwaukee and has been working in Jewish Education since 1987. She has a bachelor’s degree in Jewish Studies and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a master’s degree in Jewish Education from the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies. Before coming to MJF in 2015, she worked at summer camps, supplementary schools, and day schools (including six schools in Milwaukee). She has been a teacher, a family educator, and director of education and worked with children of all ages.
