On October 7, we gathered with Holocaust survivors in Jerusalem for a meaningful and emotional day of remembrance, unity, and gratitude.
We began by taking a moment to remember the victims of October 7, the families who lost their loved ones, and everyone whose lives were changed forever by that tragic day. Together, we lit memorial candles arranged in the shape of a 7 and a 10, honoring those we lost and ensuring their stories and memories are never forgotten.
But alongside the pain and remembrance, we also wanted to bring something positive into this difficult day.
After our moment of remembrance, the atmosphere took a beautiful turn. A talented musician played the piano and accordion, filling the room with familiar, beloved songs. The survivors sang along, smiled, shared memories, and even got up to dance.
It was a truly moving sight: a room filled with people who have experienced so much, yet still find the strength to sing, dance, smile, and embrace life.
These moments reminded us of a message we must never forget: we must always choose life.
No matter what we have been through, how difficult the journey, or how old we are, we must keep going. We must continue to find joy in the little things, create new memories, share our love, and remember that life is precious.
Our Holocaust survivors are a powerful example of resilience. Their ability to come together, sing, dance, and share their warmth with others reminds us that even after the darkest chapters of history, life can still hold moments of happiness, connection, and hope.
And in that same spirit, we wanted to turn our remembrance into an act of kindness.
Chasdei Naomi provided cookies, chocolates, sweets, and candies for the survivors to put together into special packages for our active-duty soldiers. With care and love, the survivors prepared each package and added personal notes expressing their appreciation, letting our soldiers know that they are thinking of them, standing with them, and thanking them for everything they do to protect Israel.
There was something deeply moving about this moment. Holocaust survivors, who have endured unimaginable hardship and witnessed some of the darkest chapters in history, came together to send a message of encouragement, gratitude, and love to the young men and women serving on the front lines today.
These packages were about so much more than sweets. Each one carried a message of hope, a reminder that our soldiers are not alone, and a heartfelt expression of the bond that connects generations of the Jewish people.
On a day filled with memories of loss and pain, we chose to honor those we lost by coming together, remembering together, singing together, and giving back to those who protect us today.
Because even in the most difficult moments, we can choose to create something positive. We can choose kindness. We can choose connection. We can choose to support one another. And above all, We can choose life.
At Chasdei Naomi, we believe that chesed, kindness, and compassion have the power to bring people together across generations. Whether we are supporting Holocaust survivors, helping families in need, or showing appreciation for our soldiers, every act of kindness matters.
We remember the victims. We embrace the families. We honor our survivors. We stand with our soldiers. And we choose life.
May the memories of all those we lost be a blessing, and may we continue to find strength in our unity, our compassion, and our commitment to one another. You can help too by donating here https://www.chasdei-naomi.org/ thank you 
