One Family

One Family: It’s Our Duty to Support October 7 Families

By Steve Ornstein

Posted on December 11, 2024

One Family: It’s Our Duty to Support October 7 Families

We are all shaken and hesitant by the news of the conflict in Syria. While the toppling of Assad’s regime may mean the end of a dictatorship, the ramifications of rebel forces taking over remain undetermined for Israel. And while mothers and wives across the country patiently wait for reserve duties to wane, many more soldiers have been called up north because of the events happening there.

We honor the lives and mourn the deaths of soldier-heroes First Sergeant Ido Zano, Sergeant Omri Cohen, Staff Sergeant Barak Daniel Halpern, Captain (Res.) Sagi Ya’akov Rubinshtein, Sergeant First Class (Res.) Erez Ben Efraim, Major (Res.) Evgeny Zinershain, Master Sergeant (Res.) Binyamin Destaw Negose, Second Lieutenant Avraham Ben Pinchas and Staff Sergeant Zamir Burke. Our hearts and prayers (and hugs and presence) are with their parents, who have endured the unimaginable.

We learned last week of the heartbreaking confirmation of hostage Omer Neutra’s death. This announcement serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing suffering faced by the families of hostages. For over fifteen months, families whose loved ones remain in captivity have lived with unimaginable fear and hope, holding onto the belief that their loved ones will return home alive, even as they grapple with the reality that many will not.
This uncertainty resonates across Israel, where families everywhere are gripped by anxiety over the safety of their loved ones—particularly those serving in the IDF. The trauma of the past year has cast a shadow over the entire nation, leaving every community marked by the effects of war.

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Hostage Omer Neutra Confirmed Dead

Photo: Israel Defense Forces

Captain Omer Neutra, an American-Israeli, was tragically taken hostage during the Hamas attacks on October 7. After 423 days of uncertainty, the IDF confirmed, based on intelligence, that Omer was killed in battle that day, though his body remains held in Gaza.

Omer, 21, made aliyah from Long Island and was a lone soldier in the IDF Armed Corps. He was killed along with two other soldiers serving in the tank he commanded. His parents fought tirelessly, with every ounce of strength, to bring their son home alive. A memorial service was held in the United States, followed by a shiva period held both there and in Israel.

OneFamily has been providing unwavering support to Omer’s parents and grandparents throughout this excruciating year and will continue to offer care and resources as they navigate this unimaginable grief. Our team visited the shiva, during which Israeli singer Ishay Ribo visited.

A Journey of Healing for Young Military Widows

Photo: The Jewish Chronicle / Gary Manhine

One of our latest powerful retreats was a OneFamily delegation of twelve courageous women who each lost their husbands in combat this year. The five-day getaway to London was a precious break, a moment to breathe and reflect, an opportunity for self-care, and a powerful catalyst for bonding as a group that will continue to support each other for years to come.

They also had a private meeting with Israel’s Ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely, a long-standing friend and supporter of OneFamily.

A wonderful combination of sightseeing, fun, and deep therapeutic experiences and discussions, the women also shared their stories with the Jewish community of London.

Huge thanks to El Al for opening their executive lounge to the delegation and sweetening the travel, and to Allison, Vivian and the entire team of volunteers in

England who worked so tirelessly together with OneFamily for pampering, embracing, and showering them with love.

Little Hands, Big Hearts

A group of newly bereaved second-graders from the Jerusalem area gathered to bake cookies together—a simple act filled with love and comfort. The little girls, who lost loved ones in the past couple of months, made sweet treats to share with others at our headquarters, spreading warmth and joy. A sweet initial gathering with flour-covered hands and shy smiles was the beginning of a group that will meet monthly to build lasting friendships and infuse their lives with the power of together.

Creating Joy for the Children and Younger Siblings of IDF Heroes

A pantomime show was held for the younger siblings and children of wounded soldiers. Many of these children’s lives have been drastically altered, and they often spend their time outside of school at medical centers with their parents or siblings.

While the children enjoyed the entertainment and dinner, their parents also got a brief break from the ongoing work of rehabilitation and support.

As laughter filled the room and the children’s eyes sparkled, it was a powerful reminder of the importance of light amid hardship. Every shared smile, every

burst of laughter, is a step toward healing. Many thanks to our volunteer pantomime, Karmel Bikov.

Yehudit and Shmulik Waiss Laid to Rest in Kibbutz Be’eri

Yehudit and Shmulik Waiss were laid to rest in Kibbutz Be’eri, the home they cherished for over 30 years, after a year of temporary burial in central Israel. The couple, both victims of the October 7 Hamas attacks, leave behind a legacy of love and family.

On October 7, Yehudit and Shmulik hid in their safe room. Shmulik was killed that day, though his body was not identified until a week later. Yehudit was taken hostage, and her body was found six weeks later and returned to Israel. Their reburial last week reopened unimaginable wounds, and the painful process of moving graves only added to their family’s grief. Opening graves, moving corpses and digging new burial plots is an emotionally exhaustive process.

At the reburial, their son Ohad eulogized them with words that captured their spirit: “This world and the harsh reality that has struck us is unbearable! But you raised us to face what comes our way, together, united, and here we are!”

Yehudit and Shmulik are survived by their five children—Hagar, Asaf, Omer, Daniel, and Ohad, all now facing life as double orphans—and by siblings and five grandchildren. OneFamily has been at the family’s side since the war broke out, providing unwavering support to the double orphans as they navigate a life filled with the pain of losing both their mother and father. May their parents’ memory be a guiding light for them and the people of Israel.

CLICK HERE FOR A MOVING VIDEO
FROM THE REBURIAL

A Huge Victory for OneFamily’s Soccer Team

OneFamily has hosted a special soccer team for 13 years – a unique and powerful demonstration of the power of together. The team includes those injured by terror with those that have lost loved ones and helps them heal through the collective working towards a common goal (victory) in a fun yet challenging environment.

Our men’s soccer team scored another huge win against Bank Yahav with an impressive 8-1 victory. The players’ energy was infectious, and the camaraderie on the field was undeniable. With a strong defense that allowed the offense to shine, the team netted four goals in each half, making the match look effortless. This victory proves that OneFamily’s team is a force to be reckoned with. Congratulations to every player for this unforgettable win!

Israel’s Bereaved Fathers Heal Together

An evening dedicated to bereaved fathers from the south provided a much-needed space for connection and healing. The men had the opportunity to relax, share, and find solace in the company of others who have experienced similar losses. Through one-on-one conversations and a group discussion, the fathers opened up to one another about their struggles and found comfort in being with men who could relate to them.
The fathers were treated to a relaxing evening, with volunteers offering massages, serving a delicious BBQ, and providing warm care. Among the volunteers was a bereaved brother who has been attending OneFamily programming and wanted to give back. He shared that helping others who have faced similar heartache brought him a sense of purpose.
Many of the men followed up after the event to express their gratitude. They said that connecting with other bereaved fathers had given them the strength they needed to keep moving forward in their lives. Informal events like this one provide therapeutic benefits, complementing the support group activities that half of these men participate in on a biweekly basis.

Upcoming Hannukah Events

As Hannukah nears, OneFamily is gearing up for exciting holiday gatherings and retreats. There’s a program for everyone – from a Senior Youth Division retreat at the Dead Sea to a three-day sleepover camp for bereaved children and a performance by Akiva in Caesaria for young adults. There will also be special events, like a Hannukah party for the Sayeret and their families and a pre-holiday party for 500 bereaved parents in Tel Aviv. Stay tuned for more updates in our upcoming newsletters!

Tickets On Sale for Shulem Lemmer in London Tickets are now available for Bishnat’s upcoming concert. The event is being held in support of OneFamily. For more information and tickets, click here.

OneFamily in the News

Berkeley Native Who Made Aliyah Starts Online Store To Elevate Israeli Artists

The Jewish News of Northern California shares how artists are rallying together for Israel this winter holiday season. A Hannukah pop-up in New York on December 12 will donate proceeds to OneFamily.

It’s hard to believe that 2024 is coming to a close. This altered reality for everyone in Israel continues, and the resilience and strength of every single citizen is tested. Thank you for your support during these incredibly challenging times. Only by coming together can we provide the care and resources so many urgently need.

Your contributions have made a real and lasting impact. We see the change, the signs of hope every day. We wish the needs were lessening, and we could stop insisting on the urgent need for more help. Sadly, the need for contributions continues to grow.

Please continue to join us in this critical mission to support those who have suffered the most and share our important work with your friends and loved ones. We need your help in giving voice to the thousands in Israel trying to rebuild their lives.
With love and blessings,