A Walk of Remembrance and Solidarity

A GRASSROOTS GROUP “WALKS” TO THE OCCASION:

Part III of my Grassroots Leaders Series

MY RECENT BLOG POSTS HAVE HONORED the efforts of individual Jews and grassroots organizations fighting on the second front of Israel’s struggle for survival and the preservation of freedom and civilization. It’s easy to be a “keyboard warrior” for Israel these days, only to witness the well-funded members of the “Red-Green Alliance” of Marxists and Islamists prevailing in the battle of vicious anti-Israel propaganda and slander against the Jewish people. Nowhere is this more evident than on numerous social media platforms, where a one-minute TikTok post can spark the takeover of a college campus, incite violent street demonstrations, or worse.

As early as October 8, 2023, what began as campus “Tentifadas,” blatant discrimination against Jewish students, marches and pogroms through Jewish neighborhoods, and boycotts of Jewish businesses has recently escalated to outright violence against Jews under the guise of “anti-Zionism.” We have witnessed deadly attacks on synagogues in the US and UK, the shooting of two members of the Israeli Consulate in Washington, DC, and the firebombing of an October 7 memorial rally in Boulder, CO, resulting in the death of an elderly Jewish woman. We must also remember the November 2023 murder of Paul Kessler, a 69-year-old Jewish man who died from a head injury sustained during a confrontation at opposing pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests in Thousand Oaks, California.

Across America, unsung Jewish heroes and their allies have taken a stand, mobilizing Jewish communities into action. One such event occurred this past Sunday, October 5, 2025, in Jupiter, Florida, where hundreds of Jewish and American patriots gathered to show solidarity with the State of Israel during a powerful and meaningful morning at Carlin Park. Led by the Heroes for Israel Project, the one mile walk, and community event honored the memory of the victims and heroes of the October 7, 2023 terror attack and invasion of Israel’s Gaza Envelope towns, kibbutzim, and the Nova Music Festival by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

The walk, titled “Heroes For Israel Take a Walk for October 7th,” aimed to unite people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds in solidarity, remembrance, and resilience, and to remember all the hostages who still languish in Hamas captivity and terror tunnels. (At this writing, the first phase of the peace agreement freeing the hostages was just signed). The event was held in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), Volunteers For Israel (VFI), Temple Beth David, and numerous local businesses and organizations. After the walk, a moving memorial tribute and meaningful messages from local leaders underscored a shared commitment to never forget, to stand against terror, and to support those still grieving and rebuilding.

But who exactly are the “Heroes For Israel?” After the attacks of October 7, two Palm Beach residents, Dr. Ira Jacobson and Melissa Berenson, both active in Jewish causes, met at a Starbucks to discuss how they could help those directly affected by the attacks—the Gaza Envelope communities and first responders. They conceived the idea of forming “Heroes For Israel,” a grassroots movement of like-minded Jews and their allies. Now, nearly two years later, the Heroes for Israel Project strengthens the safety of Israel’s border communities by equipping and supporting private volunteer first responders with training, resources, and global support. Dr. Jacobson is the CFO of The Heroes For Israel Project. In his words, “We empower individuals worldwide to stand in solidarity with those defending Israel on the front lines.” He added, “We envision an Israel where every border community is protected by skilled civilian defenders and supported by a global network. We are building a resilient frontline rooted in strength, solidarity, and unwavering commitment to the Jewish Homeland.”

Each month, the group hosts a webinar featuring soldiers who rushed to Israel’s defense on October 7—heroes who dropped everything to enter the war zone—along with Israeli police and members of kibbutz defense units. The organization is involved in rehabilitating bomb shelters for at-risk youth and training volunteer security members.

I spoke with Melissa Berenson, the CEO of Heroes For Israel, who shared before the walk: “Our goal is simple: We walk to say we remember. We walk to say we are still here. And we walk to say we will never be silent in the face of terror. Let this walk be a living tribute, a reminder that love is stronger than hate, and that we are united in strength.”

There were many exhibit tables set up at the staging area in Carlin Park. One particularly moving exhibit showcased the “Wings of Remembrance Butterfly Project,” honoring the thirty-nine murdered children on October 7^th by matching each child with a unique, handcrafted butterfly. Osnat Birdseye, an active member of Heroes For Israel said, “I was incredibly moved to create this project. This sacred memorial was my heart’s offering.”

Heroes For Israel is funded by donors. To learn more or get involved, visit www.HeroesForIsraelProject.org. If you would like to sponsor a walk or event in your area to support their mission, contact info@heroesforisraelproject.org. On Thursday, November 6 at 9:00 am, the group will host a webinar with Levi David, who led the first IDF unit into Gaza after October 7.