On the first anniversary of the October 7th attack and the outbreak of the war, a meaningful ceremony was held at the Western Wall. A unique Torah scroll, dedicated to the memory of those who were lost, was placed in the holy ark. Each letter of this scroll was lovingly inscribed by bereaved families, wounded IDF soldiers, and families of hostages, in a journey that symbolizes the resilience of the Jewish people and serves as a powerful call for unity, remembrance, and hope.
The Background
During the High Holy Days on the Jewish calendar, powerful Selichot gatherings are held at the Western Wall, drawing thousands from Israel and around the world. These late-night events feature special prayers and traditional piyyutim, creating a uniquely spiritual atmosphere. The tradition of Selichot, deeply rooted in Jewish heritage, seeks God’s forgiveness and redemption for the transgressions of the past year. The Western Wall plaza, illuminated by flickering candlelight and filled with the sounds of heartfelt prayers, fosters a profound connection to this sacred site and the meaningful moments leading up to Yom Kippur. These gatherings embody the unity of the Jewish people and invite every Jew to enter the new year with a sense of purity and spiritual renewal.
The Challenge
The devastating terrorist attack and the subsequent war inflicted a heavy toll, resulting in significant loss of life, physical and psychological injuries, and a deep impact on the social resilience of the State of Israel. Simultaneously, a surge in global anti-Semitism has heightened the sense of anxiety and pain. In this context, the Selichot events of 2024 hold particular significance, offering a chance for the Jewish people in Israel and around the world to unite in prayer and hope for a better future.
The Opportunity
On October 7, 2024, the anniversary of the devastating attack, a heartfelt ceremony of unity and remembrance was held at the Western Wall during the Selichot prayers. In the ceremony, a unique Torah scroll, written over the past year in memory of those murdered in the massacre and those who fell in the subsequent war, was placed in the Holy Ark. The letters of the Torah scroll were inscribed by bereaved families, wounded IDF soldiers, families of hostages, released captives, and families of victims, during a powerful and meaningful journey across Israel and abroad. This sacred scroll, an initiative led by Haim Taib, President and Founder of the Menomadin Foundation, in collaboration with Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz Shlita, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Places, was written at the sites of the massacre, including the Nova Festival grounds in Re’im and the communities surrounding Gaza, such as Ofakim, Netivot, and Sderot. It also traveled to Poland, to the Jewish synagogue in Krakow, and participated in the March of the Living at the Auschwitz death camp, as part of a special delegation of Holocaust survivors and survivors of the October 7 events. The journey of the Torah scroll concluded at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on October 7, 2024, symbolizing the resilience and rebirth of the Jewish people in their historic homeland.
Strategic Philanthropy Initiative by the Menomadin Foundation: The dedication of a Torah scroll written in memory of the victims of the October 7 attack and the fallen soldiers of the Iron Swords War, for the unity of Israel. Photo: Rotem Lahav
The Torah scroll carries with it the profound pain of the Jewish people in the wake of the tragedy that has struck Israeli society. It symbolizes the urgent need for unity between Jewish communities in Israel and the Diaspora, and for a resolute stand against evil. Above all, this unique Torah embodies the hope that from destruction and sorrow will emerge growth, renewal, and a flourishing future.
As part of the ceremony, the final letters of the special Torah scroll were inscribed. Among those honored with this task were Yaakov Argamani, father of Noa Argamani, who was rescued from Hamas captivity. US Senators Richard Blumenthal (Democrat) and Lindsey Graham (Republican) also inscribed letters, publicly declaring their support for Israel.
Yaakov Argamani, Haim Taib, and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (Democrat) and Lindsey Graham (Republican) inscribe the final letters. Photo: Rotem Lahav
The Hakafot procession was led in honor of the heroes and Fallen. Participants included Tamir Idan, Head of the Sdot Negev Regional Council, whose towns were at the epicenter of the October 7th invasion, representing the communities and kibbutzim of the Gaza Envelope; Shai Tzohar, a family member of Lieutenant Omer Nautra, held captive in Gaza, on behalf of the hostages’ families; Israel Ben Shitrit, who miraculously survived an RPG strike during an encounter with terrorists, representing the wounded IDF soldiers; Dr. Yechiel Leiter, father of Major Moshe Yedidya Leiter, may God avenge his blood, who fell in battle in Gaza, representing the bereaved families; Dov Weisenstern, CEO of ZAKA, and Dovi Maisel, Global Vice President of United Hatzalah, on behalf of the rescue forces whose heroic actions that day inspired us all. The seventh Hakafa was led by the esteemed Admor (Rebbe) of Nadvorna, Shlita, who bestowed a blessing upon the people of Israel.
