The Westchester Day School (WDS) community gathered last week for a poignant and deeply moving screening of “Surviving Nova,” a documentary by filmmaker Gilad Thaler. The film, produced by VICE News, chronicles the harrowing events of October 7th, 2023, when a devastating attack by Hamas turned the Nova music festival in Israel from a celebration of life into an unimaginable tragedy.

The documentary delves into the personal stories of survivors and the families of those who were killed or taken hostage. It portrays their courage in the face of trauma and their attempts to navigate the complexities of grief while reflecting on Israel’s response to the attack.

The screening was particularly meaningful for the WDS community, as Gilad Thaler, the director of “Surviving Nova,” is the son of beloved WDS Kindergarten teacher Morah Julie. Following the screening, Gilad participated in a heartfelt conversation moderated by his mother. The discussion provided unique insights into the challenges of documenting such a painful chapter in modern Jewish history and the importance of sharing these stories with the world.

“It was an incredibly impactful evening,” shared one attendee. “The film brought to life the unimaginable experiences of those who were there, and hearing directly from Gilad gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the effort and sensitivity required to tell these stories with integrity.”

Westchester Day School extends its deepest gratitude to Gilad Thaler for bringing this powerful film to their community and to Morah Julie for facilitating an evening of meaningful dialogue and reflection.

The event left a lasting impression on all who attended, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and remembrance. As the community continues to stand with Israel, evenings like this serve as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the need to amplify voices that shed light on truth and justice.