Knowing that well over a thousand people were murdered in the October 7 attacks three years ago is in itself shocking. But, when one is exposed to the stories of individual families, one’s understanding of the true impact on ordinary people is much greater.
Leading Israeli businessman, international life coach and author, Doron Libshtein, brought home that reality when he spoke to over 650 Capetonians at a commemorative event on 7 October this year. The consequences for Doron’s closest family were huge.
He spoke movingly about his brother, Ofir, and nephew, Nitzan, both of whom were tragically killed while defending the residents of Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the onslaught.
Ofir, Doron’s “little big brother”, was a well-known leader in Israel, having demonstrated strong leadership skills even during childhood. Elected to the office of Mayor of the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council, the region saw significant economic growth during his tenure. In addition, he and his wife established a much-loved project in Israel, Darom Adom (Red South), an annual event celebrating the blooming of wild red anemones in the Western Negev near Gaza. Ofir also served as the Chair of Habonim Dror.
At the commemorative event, video footage of Doron’s sister-in-law, who lost both her husband and her son, left many in the audience feeling very emotional. One was left with the thought: How does a person continue living after such loss?
But Doron also gave us a positive message. He challenged all of us to ask a simple but powerful question: “How can I help?”
It is a question he lives by every day. His philosophy is that we can all be heroes when we ask how we can help – and then act on the answer. His words were inspiring, thoughtful and deeply poignant, reminding us that, even in the face of profound loss, each of us has the capacity to make a difference. This message is particularly significant for us in the Diaspora: being a community that has stood up and helped our brethren in Israel in truly meaningful ways.
With an audience packed to capacity, the evening confirmed that, even in the darkest of times, our community stands united. We will not forget those who were taken from us. We will continue to stand proudly with Israel, to honour the memory of the victims by living our values openly and unapologetically, and to ensure that the world never looks away from what happened on October 7.
The commemorative event was hosted by the South African Zionist Federation Cape Council, in partnership with the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies, The Base, and the Jewish National Fund.
The event was sponsored by the Wilfred and Fay Back Charitable Trust.
SA Zionist Federation – Cape Council – Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
- For the current edition of the Cape Jewish Chronicle, click here.
- Subscribe to the Cape Jewish Chronicle: R450/year, or R38/month via debit order. Simply email us at subscriptions@ctjc.co.za and click here for payment info.
- The Cape Jewish Chronicle reaches over 6 000 readers monthly across print and digital platforms.
- To book advertising space or discuss a custom package contact Adéle Gradner Mobile: 083 321 5222 | Office: 021 464 6736 | Email advertising@ctjc.co.za
