The conflict between Israel and Hamas has now extended for six months—a duration not anticipated nor chosen by those involved, yet one with no clear end in sight. This prolonged period of hostility is notable for its length and intensity, distinguishing itself as one of the most severe confrontations in the history of Israeli-Arab conflicts. The catalyst for this war was the devastating attacks and massacres carried out by Hamas on October 7, targeting several kibbutzim in the Gaza Envelope. These acts of violence led to the loss of lives, abductions, and widespread trauma among the residents.

In the wake of these events, many stories of survival and resilience have emerged. This weekend, our community is honored to provide a platform for three individuals who lived through the horrors of October 7 to share their experiences.

This upcoming Sunday, April 14, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte alongside the Levine Jewish Community Center are offering a screening of the powerful documentary, “Supernova: The Music Festival Massacre.” This documentary meticulously chronicles the events of October 7, 2023, providing a minute-by-minute account of the tragic attack on Israel’s Supernova music festival through real-time footage and survivor testimonies.

Following the screening, attendees will have the chance to hear directly from three survivors of the attacks: Gat Gonen, an Israeli mother who survived in a bomb shelter with her two-year-old son; Yali Jacobovitz, a former soldier who left the safety of his friend’s home to join the defense; and Sapir Sa’ar, a Supernova festivalgoer who was attending with her friends. They will bravely share their personal stories, offering insight into the human experience amidst tragedy.

Having had the chance to speak with one of these survivors recently, I was struck by how “normal” they are. Despite enduring unimaginable trauma, their lives reflect a semblance of normalcy —pursuing common interests and striving to maintain their daily routines. This duality of experiencing profound tragedy while engaging in everyday activities adds a deeply personal and human aspect to their stories. These survivors are not only extraordinary in their strength and resilience but also relatable, embodying the universal desire to find normalcy amidst chaos. Their narratives are a powerful reminder of the human impact of conflict, highlighting the strength found in the pursuit of a normal life despite the shadow of past traumas.

I encourage you to come and hear the stories from three eyewitnesses who experienced and survived October 7.

Event Details: SuperNova Film Screening Followed by Moderated Conversation – Sunday April 14 at 7 p.m. in Sam Lerner Center for Cultural Arts at Shalom Park. This is a free event. RSVP required: https://buff.ly/3xnFdQc. (This documentary contains material that may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.