Heavy emotions abounded at the many events that last week commemorated Oct. 7.
A day before the actual anniversary, the National Library of Israel, in partnership with Kotvim Hayim (Writing Lives), opened its exhibition of memorial publications, “7.10 | Bound in Memory.”
Among the attendees were families and friends of the murdered and fallen. Many arrived early, which gave them time to browse before the event opened.
Speakers Zohar Hoffman, widow of Maj. Yitzhar Hoffman; Nirit Rauchberger, mother of Capt. Shilo Rauchberger; and author Dr. Ayal Hayut-man lauded Kotvim Hayim for matching the bereaved with writers who could capture the spirit of their loved ones.
They also noted the importance of having the memories of victims and fallen soldiers preserved at the National Library.
The evening also included three moving musical interludes by singer Talya Danzig, granddaughter of Alex Danzig, who was abducted from his home on Kibbutz Nir Oz and murdered in Hamas captivity.
THE ISRAEL MUSEUM – to reopen. (credit: TIMOTHY HURSLEY)
At the conclusion of the event, she added to the library’s collection of Oct. 7 writings by depositing a book, written in memory of her grandfather.
European culture brings people together
The delegation of the European Union in Israel, in cooperation with the European cultural institutes active in Israel, hosted a multilingual event this week at Beit Ariella in Tel Aviv to mark the European Day of Languages.
In addition, the cultural institutes are holding their own events. The Italian Cultural Institute will host a tribute to Dante on Thursday, October 22, at Mishkenot Sha’ananim in Jerusalem, featuring lectures and conversations about The Divine Comedy.
The cultural institutes of countries that have diplomatic relations with Israel play a vital role in people-to-people contacts through cultural exchanges during which communications are established, and new friendships are made.
Israel Museum celebrates book illustrators
This Monday, October 18, the Israel Museum will host the opening of the exhibition “Illustration: That’s the Whole Story,” and will also conduct the award ceremony for the Israel Museum Ben-Yitzhak Award 2026 for the illustration of a children’s book.
The illustrators are Liron Cohen, Yana Bukler, Hagar Bareket, Noa Mushkin, and Charlotte Shama. Both events will be held in the museum’s Ruth Wing.
Lectures on British clergy and Jamaican doctors
Members of the Israel branch of the Jewish Historical Society of England seem to have a fondness for hearing lectures about representatives of Britain’s Jewish clergy. Such lectures often remind audience members of spiritual leaders they knew in childhood.
Thus, a large attendance is expected on Monday, October 19, when Prof. David Latchman – professor of genetics at University College London, acting vice chancellor of the University of London, and chairman of the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation – will be the guest speaker.
Latchman will talk about his recently launched illustrated book on Jewish history, Dayanim, Rabbanim, and Reverend Gentlemen.
The venue is Beit Natan, Shir Hadash, 1 Yaakov Rubin Street, Talbiyeh. There is ample free parking, and the venue is close to several bus routes. Admission is NIS 25.
Next month, at a date yet to be confirmed, medical historian Dr. Kenneth Collins will launch his latest book, Jamaica’s Jewish Doctors.
The volume is not confined to medical practitioners alone; it tells the story of the island’s Jews and their culture, art, and journalism.
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