Two years later, South Florida Jews remember a dark day. Here’s how to mark October 7
It’s a day that changed being Jewish in America, shattering the community’s sense of safety and escalating incidents of antisemitism worldwide.
October 7 marks two years since Hamas militants stormed into Israel launching a deadly attack that killed 1,200 people and took another 240 hostage, sparking a war in Gaza that still continues today. It was the deadliest attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust, and the South Florida Jewish community is still feeling the impact.
Antisemitism has been a persistent reality for Jews since the 2023 attacks, and incidents continue to rise. In 2024, the Anti-Defamation League recorded over 9,300 antisemitic incidents in the United States, which was the highest level ever documented in the group’s 46-year history. The majority (58 percent) of the incidents were related to Israel or Zionism.
Still, Jews are seeing a return of anti-Jewish tropes, said Rabbi Jaime Aklepi of Temple Beth Am, a Reform synagogue in Pinecrest.
“I think today, people really need to examine what they hear, what they read and to eliminate their biases and really look for the truth,” Aklepi said. “Especially where it involves some antisemitism and age-old anti-Jewish tropes, which are becoming, once again normal.”
In the two years since the attacks, some Jews have felt closer to their faith, as well as a sense of stronger unity among Jewish people.
“As families, we will support and love each other even when there are differences. And there might be disagreements, but we really believe the idea that we are family,” Aklepi said.
The South Florida Jewish community is planning a series of events throughout the month of October to commemorate the day of the tragic attack. Here’s a line up of major events in Miami-Dade and Broward County.
Miami-Dade events
Humans of October 7th Art Exhibit Opening
On Sunday, the Alper Jewish Community Center in Kendall will debut a new art exhibit, “Humans of October 7th” to commemorate the important date in Jewish history. It features photography from Israeli photojournalist Erez Kaganovitz, who has captured more than 2,000 stories for his past projects, Humans of Tel Aviv, Humans of Israel, and Humans of the Holocaust.
“As an artist and photojournalist, I feel a deep responsibility to honor these stories of hope, resilience, bravery, and heroism shown by countless Israelis who stood up against terror on and after October 7th,” Kaganovitz said.
The new exhibit shines a light on stories of Israelis who “stood up against terrorism, fostering emotional connections and understanding to counter misconceptions and antisemitism,” according to the Alper JCC website. The event, which starts at 7 p.m. is free and includes a dessert reception and an up close and personal discussion with Kaganovitz. Register here.
And Now What? Dance Performance
Performing dance with a social message, the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center in North Miami Beach will host “And Now What?” a performance that dives into Israel’s narrative after the two tragic years following the Oct. 7 attacks. Presented by the center’s Bamachol Dance Program and the Women’s International Zionist Organization, the tribute, choreographed by Shlomi Elimelech, honors the lives lost and the resilience of those still held hostage. Tickets are $30 with performances starting at 6 p.m. on Sunday Oct. 5. More information here.
October 7th, Two Years Later. A musical tribute
Another musical tribute to the victims of October 7 is set for at Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus, a conservative synagogue in North Miami Beach. “Join us for an evening of Remembrance, Resilience, and Renewal as we honor the victims of October 7th,” a social media post reads. “This moving commemoration will feature a string quartet musical tribute to uplift and inspire us in memory and hope.” The event, which begins at 7 p.m. on Oct. 7, is free but accepting donations. Register here.
Jewish Book Series: 10/7: One Hundred Human Stories
On Friday, Oct. 10, Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach will host an evening with award-winning Israeli journalist and author Lee Yaron. Her new book “10/7: 100 Human Stories,” explores the human stories behind October 7th as well as the event’s impact on Israeli society. The event begins 6 p.m. Register here.
Book Chat and Israeli Art Exhibition Opening Reception
The Miami Beach Jewish Community Center is hosting a night of commemorative events on Oct. 20. First, former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, Yaakov Katz, will discuss his new book “While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East.”
The event, 7 p.m, will also feature a new travelling art exhibition “No Words.” “Marking two years since the October 7 attacks, ‘No Words’ explores trauma, resilience, and hope through powerful contemporary Jewish art,” the event website reads. The opening night will feature a conversation with exhibition curator, Rami Ozeri. The evening of art, reflection and conversation is free and open to the community. Register here.
Broward events
Community-wide ceremony and march
The Jewish Federation of Broward County is bringing together over 70 synagogues and Jewish organizations for a county-wide event honoring the victims of October 7.
The event “Marking October 7th” will feature keynote addresses from Karni Guez, commander of the all-female tank unit who fought on October 7 and Deputy Consul General Ayellet Black, as well as a musical performance by local students. The commemorative event, which begins at 4 p.m. on Sunday at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie, will honor the lives lost “stand in solidarity with those still held hostage and reaffirm Jewish Broward’s commitment to Israel,” according to the Jewish Federation. After the program there will be a Israel solidarity march, weather permitting. Find more information here.
This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, including Khalid and Diana Mirza, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
This story was originally published October 3, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
