Jews and Arabs Gather for “Day of Pain, Day of Hope”

On October 9th, over 200 Jewish and Arab citizens gathered in Jerusalem for a joint commemoration of the October 7th, 2023 attacks and the events of the past year. The “Day of Pain, Day of Hope” gathering was organized by a coalition of civil society organizations and hosted by Hebrew Union College. It featured conversations in Hebrew and Arabic that addressed the profound losses of the past year and aspirations for a more hopeful future. Small group discussions, supported by professional facilitators, provided participants with the opportunity to share their experiences and thoughts, as well as to engage in active listening. 

The program touched on feelings of pain while also exploring the search for hope. In a group led by two longtime friends, one Jewish and one Palestinian from Jerusalem, Jewish Israelis shared stories of loved ones and friends lost or taken hostage in the October 7th attacks. Arab citizens, including members of Bedouin communities in the South, spoke about enduring rocket sirens without access to shelters. Some also shared the experiences of family members in Gaza affected by the ongoing conflict. 

This dialogue, supported by simultaneous translation, surfaced the differing experiences and perspectives between Jewish and Arab citizens, while emphasizing that a path forward must make space for each community’s pain to be recognized and understood.