Voices for Tomorrow: A Teen-Led Vigil
On October 6th, I had one of the most meaningful experiences of my life—a moment when everything I have been passionate about and working toward (since the horrible, violent events of October 7th), came together. A couple of months ago, Misha (@queerstandswithisrael) reached out to me with an idea that instantly hit home: a teen-led vigil to honor the innocent lives lost on October 7th. As someone who deeply feels that day’s impact, I wanted the chance to help create a space for our generation to share our voices and emotions.
The vigil held one day before the anniversary was not just another event. It was a powerful expression of remembrance, healing, and standing up for what matters, all led by teens. While the program was titled “Voices for Tomorrow” (teens), speakers also included Shai Davidai, Adela Cojab, and Claire Kanner. Our hope was that giving the program such a name would serve as a goal to make sure these lives are never forgotten.
Below, I have included a portion of my speech from the vigil. Listening to all of the remarks that day reminded me that this movement is so much bigger than any one person or speech. I have also included links to other speeches given that day.
My Speech:
Thank you all for being here today. My name is Max Alperstein. I am a Jewish Latino high school senior, podcaster, and activist.
Let me take you back to almost a year ago. The events of October 7th shook me to my core. When I first heard about the violence, the suffering, and the horror caused by Hamas, I hoped—maybe even expected—that it would unite people. I thought to myself, “How could anyone not condemn an attack where women were raped, where babies were beheaded?” I believed the world would rally behind us, and in some ways, that belief was tied to my own identity as a Jew.
But instead, what I saw was the opposite: a surge in antisemitism. And not just online or far away—right here, in New York City, in my community. It’s a painful reminder of the hate Jews faced during the Holocaust, a hate I never imagined experiencing, even in a remotely similar way.
Today we are here remembering those who were lost on October 7th—almost one year ago. For us teens, a year can feel like an eternity. So much can change in just a year—a new grade, new friends, maybe even a new school. But for the hostages taken from their homes that day, nothing has changed yet in reality, everything has changed. While the world moves on, they remain stuck, trapped, and held simply because they are Jewish.
As Yehuda Kurtzer, president of The Shalom Hartman Institute, said “This is the time you’ve grown up into, so it’s the only one you know.” This situation clearly shows that we are not just the future—we are the present. Right now, as teens, we are already taking the lead. We’re having conversations that matter, driving change, and pushing back against the world as it is. Antisemitism is not something that only lives in history books; it is here. It is affecting us, and we must stand up together to fight it.
This is one of the reasons why I created and host Fearless Interventions, a podcast where we sit down with Jewish leaders and talk about the challenges we face. These conversations give Jewish teens the tools to make real change and remind us that we are not alone. Today, I am inspired by each and every one of you. You choose to stand with us, to fight antisemitism, and to support one another. Now, more than ever, the world needs our voices.
Our voices count.
Our voices matter.
Our voices are the voices of the future.
This is not the time to be silent. We must speak up, together.
Thank you.
Speakers:
Shai Davidai
Adela Cojab
Misha
Kate Glick
Kosha Dillz
Claire Kanner
Akiva Fien
Max Alperstein