In a powerful display of resilience and unity, over 5,000 people gathered for Manhattan’s largest-ever Torah dedication to honor the victims of the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.
The event, which took place exactly one year after the tragedy, featured an emotional procession through the streets of the Upper East Side and moving presentations from the families of those murdered and held captive during the horrific events of last year.
The march traveled from 79th and Park Avenue to 85th Street, concluding with a poignant program which featured live music and remarks from survivors and families of victims.
The Torah, organized by members of the Upper East Side young Jewish professionals community, was adorned with a one-of-a-kind cover inscribed with the names of those who lost their lives on Oct. 7. The cover symbolized the enduring spirit of the Jewish people and served as a memorial to the eternal legacy of those lost.
Ronen Neutra, father of Omer, who is still held hostage in Gaza, spoke movingly about his son, sharing the pain of the families who continue to endure the unthinkable.
Event organizer Yair Klyman, a former IDF lone soldier and activist, said, “Despite rising hate, we will not be intimidated. We choose to increase our positivity and celebrate life.” His words captured the evening’s message of Jewish pride in New York City. “We hope this Torah brings blessing and safety.”
This collaborative event brought together Jews from across the city in partnership with various organizations including Chabad Young Professionals, Kehilath Jeshurun, JNF, IAC and Olami.
Rabbi Yosef Wilhelm of Chabad Young Professionals Upper East Side emphasized the event’s profound significance: “Torah is called the Tree of Life. We are honoring the lives of those murdered with the timeless life of the Torah. The Jewish response to tragedy has always been to keep cherishing life, building and growing.”
