As we near the anniversary of October 7, 2023, and continue to grapple with its effects, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and The Jewish Agency for Israel are partnering together for the “Hinneini” project, a powerful artistic initiative uniting Jewish communities across seas in a shared act of remembrance.

This project, which derives its name from the Hebrew word “Hinneini” (ינֵּנִהִ), meaning “here I am,” is a collaboration between 50 artists from the United States and Israel, each tasked with creating memorial pieces that capture the essence of those who were tragically killed on October 7 or in the resulting war. The aim is not only to honor the fallen, but also to forge a deeper connection between the artists, their subjects, and the broader Jewish community. Two Charlotte-based artists, Mike Wirth and Tara Spil, have been selected to contribute their talents to this significant endeavor.

Mike Wirth created a digital art piece in memory of Bar Schechter z”l, a DJ at the Nova Music Festival who was murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7. “Bar was a beacon of joy, known for his ability to unite people through dance and celebration. In creating this artwork, my goal is to capture the essence of who Bar was—someone who brought light and life to those around him.” Mike says.

“The project took a more meaningful turn after I met with Bar’s wife and friends as well as other artists on the project. It was very special to talk to the people who were impacted by Bar no longer being here. I shared with them my initial sketch and I could see that they understood that the conversation is a critical part of the project. This has been an incredible opportunity to connect Jews from different communities.” Mike describes his art, “Through the use of bold colors and dynamic compositions, I aim to convey the vibrancy of Bar’s life and the joy he spread … Hinneni — here I am, ready to remember, celebrate, and create in Bar’s honor.”

Tara Spil’s painting memorializes Major Gal Shabat z”l, a 24-year-old soldier who was killed in action in the Gaza Strip.

“In learning about who Gal was from his mother and sister, his love of country was made clear. They described him as a strong and brave leader of his unit. I wanted to create a work of Gal with his unit, to symbolize their closeness, and I used imagery from a video his family sent. Gal’s unit was made up entirely of Orthodox Jews who traveled from around the world to Israel to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). They called him ‘Abba Shabat’ and he was their first introduction to life in Israel. So, he was a caretaker, trainer, and educator at age 24.” Tara describes the symbolism in her work, “The tree, the waves, the land, and the line of soldiers coming to speak with him are all metaphors for Gal’s unending strength. The strength and perseverance he showed are not gone because they will continue to live on through the soldiers he trained, the trees he planted, and the waters he enjoyed.”

The completed works will be displayed in Hadera, Israel, beginning on Nov. 7 at the ART Container in the Menashe Regional Council. This exhibition, titled “Hinneni,” will be broadcast live on The Jewish Agency For Israel’s Partnership2Gether (P2G) Facebook page, allowing communities across the globe to participate in this collective act of remembrance. Additionally, the pieces will be displayed in various P2G communities, including at Shalom Park throughout the month of October, and will also be featured at Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s October 7