As we mark the somber anniversary of the attacks on Israel that claimed the lives of over a thousand individuals, including 43 Americans, Arizona State University's lawn has transformed into a tribute to those still held by Hamas. FOX10 Phoenix reported that the space was adorned with names and visages of the hostages, a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis.
Among those paying their respects were Adeena and Aleeza Feffer, sisters who experienced the haunting reality in Israel first-hand this summer; upon returning they retraced their steps at the Nova Music Festival, albeit this time against the unsettling echo of distant bomb sirens, Israel, a place they both call home a place woven into the tapestry of their being. Rabbi Shmuel Tiechtel of Chabad ASU reflected on the full cycle of a year and the weight of the tragedy, "365 days." He shared with Headtopics.
One cannot stay indifferent to the photos and stories; Adeena, profoundly moved by the images, confided in a statement obtained by FOX10 Phoenix, "Just seeing his eyes made me very sad and very heartfelt for all the families that are missing, all their children and the families of all of these hostages." Their summer visit, although brief, was marked by a stark intrusion of fear Aleeza recounted how a siren's wail compelled them to run for shelter.
The Feffer sisters' reflection on the number of hostages gave them pause while Rabbi Tiechtel offered words of hope: "You don't sweep away darkness with a broom. You sweep away darkness by adding more light, goodness, unity and good deeds to this world," he told a FOX10 Phoenix interview.
