The JCC Mid-Westchester, in partnership with the Westchester chapter of Run for Their Lives, recently hosted local teens and adults for a powerful and moving evening featuring Din Tesler, a 22-year-old survivor of the Nova Music Festival attack. Din, and his long-time friend Bar Kuperstein, had been serving as security officers at the concert on Oct. 7. That day, Bar’s heroic actions saved many lives, but he was tragically abducted and is still being held hostage by Hamas.

For the past year, Din has been traveling across the United States, courageously sharing his story of this harrowing experience. His journey speaks to extraordinary resilience, aiming to raise awareness for those still in captivity and to advocate for their safety. Bar’s brother, Dvir, joined Din to share his family’s anguish and enduring hope for Bar’s return. Din expressed that every time he speaks to a group it is an act of healing for him. Despite all that he has endured, Din conveyed a poignant reminder: “Every day is a blessing, and we must be grateful for the lives we are able to lead.”