Vigil at Hillel Commemorates Lives Lost in October 7 Attack

Cornelia Ehlebracht ‘25

Managing Editor

On Oct. 7, 2024 at 7 p.m., Trinity College Hillel hosted a vigil at The Zachs Hillel House to honor the lives lost in the attack that occurred a year prior. According to an Oct. 7, 2024 press statement published by Antony J. Blinken, Secretary Of State, on that fateful day in 2023 “more than 1,200 men, women, and children, including 46 Americans and citizens of more than 30 countries”, were killed by Hamas with 254 people taken hostage — “the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.”

The vigil, attended by over 50 people, reflected a collective mourning and solidarity in the face of loss. As participants walked up the steps of Hillel, they were greeted by a poignant display: candles lined the stairs as Hebrew music filled the air, symbolizing the light of those lost and the hope for peace. The presence of campus security underscored commitment to ensuring safety as the community gathered. Attendees included President Joanne Berger Sweeney, with speeches by The Very Reverend Marcus George Halley, D.Min., Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life and Joseph DiChristina, Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management. Alexander Nadelburg ’26, Hillel President, Yael Rubin ’26, Vice President of Cultural and Educational Programming, and Hillel members Talia Hoffenberg ’27 and Kate Berman ’27 gave speeches to those gathered, reflecting on how the events of Oct. 7 impacted their lives, as well as the lives of their families, friends and broader community. They shared personal stories of loss and fear, illustrating how the tragedy altered their daily routines and sense of security. Many spoke about the emotional toll it took on their communities, highlighting the collective grief and need for support and healing. The speakers emphasized the importance of coming together during difficult times, fostering resilience and solidarity among those affected.

Professor Adi Katz, Lecturer in Language and Culture Studies and Jewish Studies, read a list of the names and ages of those lost in the attack and then led a prayer in Hebrew that united the attendees through shared traditions and collective mourning. The Kaddish, a Jewish prayer recited during synagogue services and funerals, praises God and sanctifies His name without mentioning death or dying. By reciting it, mourners demonstrate that despite their grief, their faith remains steadfast. Katz’s father, also in attendance, played the guitar while singing a Hebrew song. Nadelberg ’26 too performed a hopeful song accompanied by guitar, “One Day” by Matisyahu, singing “All my life I’ve been waiting for/I’ve been praying for/For the people to say/That we don’t wanna fight no more/There will be no more wars/And our children will play.”The vigil concluded with a candle-lighting ceremony where each flame represented not just the individual lives lost but the shared pain felt across communities. Attendees were welcome to an exhibit of artistic expression by Trinity students and others, displayed downstairs. Additionally, the documentary Screams Before Silence was screened, a film exploring the sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, providing further context and reflection on the events of that day and the year that followed. Trinity College Hillel President Alexander Nadelberg ’26 affirmed they mourn the lives of all innocent victims of the conflict, “Our doors are always open and our hearts are open too.” In a year marked by conflict and sorrow, Trinity College Hillel, the United States and indeed the world mourns every innocent life lost on Oct. 7, 2023, and in the months that followed.