MAY 30 • 2024 | 11
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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