MAY 30 • 2024 | 11
J
N

I

n a profound tribute to
the resilience and unity of
communities in the south
of Israel, Farber Hebrew
Day School’s High School
students unveiled a poignant
exhibit for Yom HaAtzmaut,
Israel’s Independence Day,
reflecting upon the events of
Oct. 7, 2023. The exhibit, a
collaborative effort by students,
pays homage to the strength
and solidarity demonstrated by
those impacted by the events.
On Oct. 7, communities
in the south of Israel faced
unprecedented challenges
that had a great impact on
our community as well. While
proximity-wise we are very far
away, the students’ emotional
connection to these events felt
very near to the heart.
To honor this resilience,
students from Farber
embarked on a mission to
create an exhibit that would
serve as a testament to the
enduring spirit of the region.
The exhibit, housed in the
school’s multipurpose room,
featured a series of interactive
displays, each dedicated to a
specific community affected
by the events. From Ofakim to
Sderot, from Kibbutz Nir Oz
to Kibbutz Be’eri, from Zikim
to Nirim, from Kfar Aza to
Kibbutz Kerem Shalom, many
beautiful communities were
impacted and honored by the
students in this exhibit.
From poignant photographs
capturing moments of
solidarity to personal accounts
of resilience, the exhibit
offered visitors a glimpse into
the lives of those who were
unfortunately impacted in
unimaginable ways.
“We wanted to create
something meaningful,
something that would resonate
with both the communities

affected and the broader
public,” said Elianna Jacobs,
one of the students whose
exhibit was on display.
“Through this exhibit, we
hope to honor the strength
and unity displayed by our
neighbors during challenging
times.”
The students meticulously
researched each community,
consulting first with
representatives from the
Zekelman Holocaust Center
— Aliza Tick (manager of
Museum Education) and Mark
Mulder (director of Curatorial
Affairs) — on developing
accurate and impactful exhibits
to ensure that the students
were able to accurately
represent the communities that
were impacted.
From kibbutzim to small
villages, the exhibit highlights
the diversity of experiences
and the common thread of
resilience that unites them all.
“We are incredibly proud

continued on page 12

Ira Gardin
with Farber
elementary
students

lianna Jacobs
talking to a
student about
her exhibit on
Kibbutz Nirim