THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FIVE DAYS

On October 7, 2024, King David High School held a poignant ceremony to commemorate the tragic events of one year prior, when Hamas terrorist attacks during Simchat Torah claimed over a thousand lives and displaced over 200,000 people. Madison and Noah opened the assembly, reflecting on the day that changed countless lives in Israel and around the world. A moment of silence followed, honouring the victims.

Throughout the assembly, speakers like Danielle, Ziv, and Romy shared reflections on Israel’s ongoing struggles for security, the rise in global antisemitism, and how the events since October 7 have affected their lives. Tom recited the El Male Rachamim prayer, and several candles were lit in memory of the lives lost, the IDF soldiers still fighting, Lihi and Or, our shinshiniot, lit the candle for the displaced families, including those from King David’s sister school, Har Vagai. Netanel recited the Mi Sheberach for the IDF soldiers, reminding us of the ongoing fight to protect Israel.

Yuli and Nora performed the song "October Rain", offering a musical reflection on the tragedy. One of the most emotional moments came when alumni Rachel, Adina, and Matthew shared with us stories and memories about Ben, highlighting his unique spirit, kind heart, and Big Neshama, and lit a memorial candle for Ben Mizrachi z"l, a beloved friend and our community member, alongside the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to his memory.

Abby’s heartfelt rendition of the Israeli song "Shema Yisrael" deepened the emotional connection, accompanied by Johnny on piano, ensuring all the music, and tech ran smoothly throughout the event. Netta’s lighting of the final candle for the hostages still held in Gaza was a powerful reminder of the ongoing suffering. We all pray for the immediate release of all hostages. The ceremony concluded with everyone singing "Acheinu" and ended with "O Canada" and "Hatikvah," reaffirming hope and resilience in the Jewish community.

Click here for the Assembly Recording

Following the assembly, students split into groups with teachers and staff to reflect and discuss before returning to classes. As they left, they pinned cards featuring the names and photos of victims from the massacre onto strings of lights that now hang as a memorial installation in the Atrium. Thank you to the Chesed Club students, Jewish Life service students, and parent volunteers for designing and creating the victims' cards.

This commemoration was a moving tribute to those affected, reminding the community of their strength and unity in the face of adversity. Thank you to Orly Naim, Jewish Life and Student Engagement Leader, and her remarkable group of Grade 12 students who planned and led the assembly.

THANK YOU FOR THE MEANINGFUL FEEDBACK RECEIVED

I attended the October 7th Memorial Service this morning at KDHS, and I want to thank you and the students for an absolutely incredible program.

The readings, the prayers, the reminisces about Ben and the music all contributed and wove together in such a phenomenal fashion.

I am so profoundly grateful to you, the students and the entire school for providing all of us with sacred space this morning to remember and to grieve.

~ Rabbi Philip Bregman

It has never escaped me as to why my daughters attend King David. Ultimately the opportunities and possibilities reach far beyond the brick and mortar of the building. I have never doubted the significance and impact of their being a part of a community that reflects on itself and the world at large, and in particular, their evolving identity as Jews. In too short a time we send them out into a world that challenges the very ground they walk on. There is an energy, raison d’etre, soul and spirit, that each and every one is imbued with, by the very nature of having been a part of a Jewish school, of King David in particular.

Thank you for allowing them to touch and feel in so profound a manner, the very essence of who they are, but more importantly to instill within them a sense of purpose and ability to make change in the world around them. Thank you for giving expression to a communal hurt and pain and for allowing these young adults, young souls who will soon be making life-altering decisions- for giving them agency, personal and communal purpose, and a sense of possibilities as they navigate these perplexing times. To celebrate who they are, and simply put, to allow them to see their place and responsibility, in making this world a better place.

To all the teachers who empower these young minds; thank you.

~ Parent of a King David alumnus and two current students

SHABBAT SHALOM! !שבת שלום