Photos: Hallie B. Geller & Samii Stoloff
In a powerful display of resilience and unity, over 5,000 people gathered for Manhattan’s largest-ever Torah dedication to honor the victims of the October 7th, 2023 attacks on Israel.
The event, which took place exactly one year after the tragedy, featured an emotional procession through the iconic Park Avenue, and moving presentations from the families of those murdered and held captive during the horrific events of last year.
Just weeks after the October 7th attacks, a group of community members at Chabad Young Professionals Upper East Side sat down for a meeting. Still reeling from the attacks, they voiced a collective need: “We must do something to mark the lives of those lost.”
This grassroots initiative, led by James and Natalie Knepper, Yair and Debbie Klyman, and Justin Lesnoy, quickly grew into a city-wide movement. Initially planned for dedication in Israel, in a powerful twist of fate, the Torah found its dedication celebration in New York City due to wartime travel cancellations, uniting diverse Jewish communities across The Big Apple.
The Torah, adorned with a unique cover inscribed with the names of October 7th victims, symbolized both memorial and resilience. It will reside at the Chabad Young Professionals Upper East Side led by Rabbi Yosef and Devora Wilhelm.
“Torah is called the Tree of Life. We are honoring the lives of those murdered with the timeless life of the Torah,” said Mrs. Devora Wilhelm of Chabad Young Professionals Upper East Side. “The eternity and love for the Torah is vividly seen in how it brings all Jews together and fills them with a soulful thrill like no other. Nobody wanted to stop dancing!”
The dedication saw participation from prominent NYC Jewish organizations and leaders. Rabbi Benzion Kraznianski of Chabad Upper East Side spoke powerfully about embracing Jewish identity. Rabbis and their communities across the city joined in solidarity, including Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz of Kehilath Jeshurun, Rabbi Mark Wildes of MJE, Rabbi Avi Blochman of Olami, Rabbi Arthur Schneier of Park East Synagogue, Rabbi Shlomo Farhi and Rabbi Ariel Mizrahi of Safra Synagogue, and Rabbi Eli Babich of Fifth Avenue Synagogue.
Yoni Skariszewski, who lost his father in the attack and helped rescue 130 people from the Nova party, obtained special permission to leave his reserve duty in Israel for the event. “There was nothing I could do to save my father’s life,” he said. “But celebrating this Torah dedication tonight is proof that though one year ago the Jewish people were at their lowest point since the Holocaust, we are now stronger than ever.”
Ronen Neutra, whose son Omer remains a hostage in Gaza, called the dedication a “special moment” for his family. “The community gathered here really picks us up,” he said. “We know you care, and we know you fight with us.”
The powerful procession down Park Avenue concluded with a poignant program. Jewish music superstar Yoni Z led the gathering, as thousands joined in song and dance, filling the streets with passionate energy, embodying the Jewish response to tragedy: cherishing life, building, and growing.
“Each soul lost on October 7th was our brother, our sister, part of our family,” said Rabbi Avi Winner of Chabad Young Professionals Upper East Side. “When Jews face pain and loss, we respond by writing a Torah. This is how we transform tragedy into eternal light. This is how we ensure their lives continue to inspire generations.”
Yair Klyman, a former IDF lone soldier and spearheader of the event, captured the evening’s spirit: “Despite rising hate, we will not be intimidated. We choose to increase our positivity and celebrate life.”
Really inspiring. May we all merit the Geula Shleima immediately.