From Jerusalem to New York: Remembering October 7

As Miss Israel World International and Miss World influencer, and Miss World International titleholder, these past two years since October 7, have marked one of the darkest chapters for the Jewish people since the Holocaust — a day that forever changed Israel.

Last week, I had the profound honor of standing alongside 1,200 diplomats, community leaders, and supporters at the National Remembrance Ceremony for the October 7 Massacre, hosted by the Consulate General of Israel in New York in partnership with the La’Aretz Foundation. The ceremony was held at Congregation Shearith Israel, one of North America’s oldest and most historic synagogues.

As Miss Israel World International, my upbringing in Jerusalem continues to inspire me to uphold my values and advocate for my people — now in New York, more than ever. I feel a deep responsibility to speak for the Jewish community, support the return of the hostages, and honor those affected by the events of October 7.

Since that day, I have spent countless weeks walking the streets of New York — often in the cold — placing posters of the hostages on lamp posts and street corners, ensuring their faces were seen. Each poster felt like a silent prayer, and each tear shed by a passerby reminded me that these families were not alone.

In February 2025, I experienced a deeply personal and historic moment: I was the only journalist present to capture the first handshake between U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff and the hostage families. These were the same families I had accompanied to Mar-a-Lago, advocating tirelessly for their loved ones. Witnessing that handshake — a symbol of renewed hope after months of uncertainty — felt as though history itself was holding its breath. My photographs from that encounter were later published in more than one hundred publications worldwide, sharing a story of resilience and hope with the global community.

The evening at Congregation Shearith Israel was a poignant reminder of our unity. Each candle lit in memory of those we lost symbolized more than grief — it represented resilience and the unwavering promise that darkness will never prevail.

Among the distinguished speakers was Ofir Akunis, Israel’s Consul General in New York, whose words resonated with compassion, strength, and justice: “There must be a public trial for the terrorists — just as there was for Eichmann. Justice must be seen, and justice must be done.”

He also called for national unity, reminding us: “The time has come for national reconciliation in the State of Israel. We must not return to the days before October 7. When our forces fought on the battlefield, they did not ask one another about their political views — they stood shoulder to shoulder against the enemy to ensure Israel’s security.”

The ceremony followed the recent release of twenty living hostages from Hamas captivity — after more than two years in darkness. Akunis expressed deep gratitude to the heroic IDF soldiers who sacrificed their lives, and to U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for their crucial roles in securing the hostages’ release.

The evening also featured profoundly moving remarks from Sigal Halifa, whose daughter Gaya was murdered at the Nova Music Festival, and Ravid Tsanani, whose brother Tuval was killed while serving in Gaza. Their courage embodied the strength of the Israeli spirit. Singer Kobi Aflalo performed heartfelt songs that brought the audience together in reflection and remembrance.

Among the attendees were consuls general from Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Argentina, Serbia, Georgia, Japan, Sweden, and Finland, demonstrating global solidarity with Israel.

October 7 will forever remain a scar in our collective history — but it also revealed the extraordinary depth of our unity and resilience. It reminded us that Am Yisrael Chai — the people of Israel live — not only in our homeland but in every heart that refuses to forget, to surrender, or to stop believing.

We honor the memory of those we lost, stand with the families who continue to grieve, and pray for the hostages who have not yet returned home.