By Isaac Cohen
Photos: Kaila Rosovsky
In a powerful and deeply emotional gathering, 400 members of the Stamford community, including local dignitaries, came together for a prayer vigil in memory of the six hostages who were killed last week. The event also served as an opportunity to hear from and honor Moran Stela Yanai, a survivor of Hamas captivity who was held hostage for 54 days.
The vigil opened with a video clip sharing beautiful moments from the lives of the six precious souls who were tragically taken: Hersh, Eden, Ori, Almog, Alex, and Carmel.
Rabbi Eli Kohl led the attendees in the song “Acheinu Kol Beit Yisrael,” offering a heartfelt prayer: “For our brothers and sisters who find themselves in captivity… May G-d bring them from darkness to light.”
Rabbi Daniel Cohen addressed the crowd, offering words of comfort from Rabbi Nachman of Breslov to help face anxiety and fear during challenging times.
The gathering was more than a somber vigil; it was a moment of profound unity. Though many people were present, the crowd felt as one – united in grief and strength.
Moran Yanai then shared her story to a spellbound audience. A costume jewelry designer, she was attending the Supernova Musical Festival on October 7 when Hamas launched their deadly attack. At 6:29 a.m., Moran ran for cover, finding a ditch she hoped would keep her safe. At 8:28 a.m., she spoke to her parents for the last time before her phone died. Shortly afterward, she was discovered and abducted into Gaza.
After 54 harrowing days in captivity, Moran and nine other captives crossed back into Israel just before midnight on November 29.
Moran’s testimony moved the audience as she shared the faith, hope, and endurance that sustained her through the ordeal. She expressed gratitude to G-d for the miracles, both big and small. Despite having “why” moments, she did not allow those moments to become the lens of her outlook. She held on to the prayer for lighting Shabbat candles, imagining herself performing the ritual in her mind and envisioning her family’s Friday night Shabbat table—the conversations, singing, and food—drawing strength from those memories.
She also shared a message from her fellow captives still held in Gaza “Do not forget them!”
One attendee reflected on the night, saying, “Last night was so incredibly meaningful. It was heartbreaking but also inspiring. I personally needed to be supported by the community and share prayers at this extraordinarily difficult time.”
Moran also challenged the audience to break free from their routines and urged unity despite differences, delivering a powerful message.
“I was truly inspired by Moran’s story,” another attendee shared. “She is a strong woman, and I hope the rest of the hostages somehow manage to stay strong and survive.”
Moran’s mother, who doesn’t usually travel, went to pray at the Rebbe’s gravesite in Queens in November. Remarkably, just a few days later, Moran was released. Maryashie Deren presented Moran with a photograph of her mother praying at the Ohel during that pivotal time.
Rabbi Yisrael Deren, director of Chabad of Connecticut, addressed the crowd, sharing words of encouragement: “We came here and thought we were listening to your—Moran’s—story, but we are really listening to our own story.”
Vivi Deren continued, reflecting on Moran’s account of imagining lighting the Shabbat candles during captivity, which gave her strength. She quoted the Midrash: “If you will keep the candles of Shabbat, I (G-d) will show you the candles of Zion.”
Every participant received a bag containing Shabbat candles, coins for charity, and a card with the name and picture of a specific hostage, encouraging them to keep these individuals in their thoughts and prayers.
The event, organized by Chabad @ Harbor Point, concluded with spontaneous dancing as Levi Deren led the crowd in singing “Am Yisrael Chai,” joined by Moran’s father—a powerful moment of resilience and Jewish pride.
Another attendee added, “Boy, was that powerful and challenging.”
Incredible