Two years later, it stings as hard as ever.
Oct. 7, 2023, was a day of sadness, helplessness and stomach-churning fury among Jews around the world. The attack on Israel by Hamas unleashed antisemitism that many hoped would never resurface and caused some to question who their true friends were.
In 2025, there remains so much to mourn. Here’s a sampling of upcoming events in South Florida to honor those who died on Oct. 7, those who were injured and those who remain captive. Unless otherwise noted, most gatherings are free but require advance registration.
SUNDAY, OCT. 5
A ceremony and solidarity march
Guests will participate in an opening program followed by an Israel Solidarity March. The program is “most suitable for those age 13 and over.”
WHERE: David Posnack JCC, 5850 S. Pine Island Road, Davie
WHEN: 4 p.m.
REGISTER: jewishbroward.org/event
A photo exhibit
The Alper Jewish Community Center will host the opening of “Humans of October 7th,” an exhibit by Israeli photojournalist Erez Kaganovitz that focuses on stories of courage from Israelis who stood up against the terrorist attacks. Kaganovitz was previously known for his “Humans of Tel Aviv,” “Humans of Israel” and “Humans of the Holocaust” photo projects. The exhibit will be open weekdays through Dec. 19.
WHERE: Alper JCC, 11155 SW 112th Ave., Miami.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
REGISTER: alperjcc.org/oct7
A walk with the Heroes for Israel Project
In partnership with the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and other local organizations and led by the Heroes for Israel Project, guests will participate in a 1-mile walk followed by a memorial tribute, music and messages from community leaders. There will also be vendors and food available for purchase. Cost is $18.
WHERE: Carlin Park, 400 S. State Road A1A, Jupiter
WHEN: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
REGISTER: heroesforisraelproject.org
TUESDAY, OCT. 7
Observance of Sukkot and reflection
Congregation B’nai Israel’s ceremony, “Holding Memory & Meaning: A Sukkot Reflection in the Shadow of 10/7,” begins with a Sukkot morning service.
WHERE: Congregation B’nai Israel, 2200 Yamato Road, Boca Raton
WHEN: 10 a.m.-noon
REGISTER: cbiboca.org
‘October 8,’ a film
Temple Beth El will show the film “October 8,” which explores the emotional aftermath of the attacks. The congregation will recite Kaddish, the mourner’s prayer, and conclude with a gathering in the sukkah.
WHERE: Temple Beth El, 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton
WHEN: 7 p.m.
REGISTER: tbeboca.org/event/reflections-resilience-a-film-screening-of-october-8
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8
‘491 Days: Eli Sharabi’s Journey of Survival’
The Mandel Jewish Community Center will host former hostage Eli Sharabi, who endured 491 days in captivity in Gaza, in conversation with Rabbi Yaron Kapitulnik of Temple Judea in Palm Beach Gardens. Sharabi will also discuss his new book, “Hostage.” Tickets are $22.75 for balcony seats; seats on the ground floor that included a copy of the book are sold out.
WHERE: Palm Beach State College Eissey Campus Theatre, 11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens
WHEN: 7 p.m.
REGISTER: Jcconline.com/Sharabi
THURSDAY, OCT. 16
‘Marking October 7th,’ a webinar
Jacki Alexander, CEO and president of the media advocacy group HonestReporting, will be joined by an Oct. 7 survivor during the meetup. The webinar is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.
WHERE: Zoom
WHEN: 9 a.m.
REGISTER: jewishboca.org/events
THURSDAY, OCT. 23
‘Voices After October 7,’ a documentary
See the premiere of Rabbi Mark Goldman’s “Voices After October 7,” in which he interviews Israelis about their post-Oct. 7 experiences, describing them as “a people shattered, yet unbroken.”
WHERE: Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El, 8200 Peters Road, Plantation
WHEN: 7 p.m.
REGISTER: tkae.org/events
