Remembering October 7 in Scotch Plains
Over 100 people attended a “Wings of Hope” commemoration and dedication, in partnership with Union County clergy and local synagogues, at the JCC of Central NJ in Scotch Plains on October 5, marking the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel. Daniela Gefen, the JCC’s community shlicha from Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, was among the speakers. Rabbi Uri Allen of Temple Sha’arey Shalom in Springfield, Rabbi Howard Tilman of Congregation Beth Israel in Scotch Plains, Rabbi Ethan Prosnit of Temple Emanu-El in Westfield, Rabbi Emily Losben-Ostrov of Temple Sholom in Scotch Plains, Rabbi Steven Stern of Temple Beth O’r Beth Torah in Clark, Rabbi Paul Kerbel of Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim in Cranford, and Rabbi Joshua Finkelstein of Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael in Springfield, were there.
Wings of Hope began as a project by Livnat Kutz, z”l, and the Kibbutz Kfar Aza community, near the Gaza Strip. In July 2023, Livnat and her community painted wings on a shelter wall there — to symbolize strength, creativity, hope, and community. Livnat and her family were murdered on October 7. In response, her sister and others began sharing the Wings of Hope project in communities, creating copies of the wings. According to the project’s website, https://www.livnatswings.org/en, “A wall is decorated with colorful wings made out of old toy remains as a silent symbol of a happy childhood at Kibbutz Kfar Aza.”
Leading up to the JCC’s program, toy pieces from the JCC and its shul partners were collected. Laurie Caspert, the JCC’s artist in residence, coordinated with the JCC’s early childhood, after-school, Club Connect programs, JCC staff and families.
The JCC thanked Laurie Caspert and everyone in the community who helped create the project with the support and partnership from the Union County clergy and JCC lay leaders, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, JCC Association, and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.
For information, go to www.jccnj.org.
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