On a quiet Tuesday evening on the Upper West Side, the basement of Reform synagogue Rodeph Sholom buzzed with activity as approximately 400 Israelis gathered. The congregation was hosting Thanks4Giving, a pre-Thanksgiving dinner and gala honoring the civilian guards and their families from kibbutzes and agricultural communities on the Gaza border that were attacked by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. This event was part of a weeklong trip where the Israelis stayed with host families from 35 synagogues in the area. Meanwhile, another 300 Israelis were participating in a similar program in Florida.
The atmosphere in the ballroom was festive as Israeli guests, American host families, and other attendees enjoyed a meal featuring elevated versions of traditional kibbutz dishes. Rachael Evans, Rodeph Sholom’s chief of staff and operations, mentioned that the synagogue had to bring in additional tables to accommodate everyone.
While the Israelis received a warm welcome in the U.S., they were also coming to terms with the reality of returning to the places where they had experienced fear and danger just over a year ago.
Karen Oren, a resident of Kibbutz Reim, shared her struggles with readjusting to life back at the kibbutz after being evacuated to Tel Aviv following the attack. Her husband, Harel, who was one of the guards that defended the kibbutz against the attackers, emphasized the ongoing challenges of feeling safe and secure.
The event was organized by Project 24 in collaboration with UJA-Federation of New York to connect embattled Israeli communities with North American Jews. Following the dinner, speakers including Project 24 co-founder Daniel Gradus and Senior Rabbi Ben Spratt discussed the importance of a shared Jewish community.
Overall, the evening provided a moment of reprieve for the Israelis as they navigated the emotional journey of returning to their kibbutz. As the gala came to a close, plans were made for future outings and activities, offering a chance to relax and unwind.