Stephen Wise Free Synagogue invites you to meet three regular Israelis — mother and daughter Batia and Rotem Holin, of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, and Asaf Artel, of Kibbutz Kissufim. In conversation with our Rabbi Ammi Hirsch, they’ll tell us their incredible stories of survival and their hopes for rebuilding their lives and communities.

This event is free for members of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue and costs $10 for non-members. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the program begins at 10:00 a.m. Coffee and cookies will be served before the program starts.

RSVP

Batia Holin and her husband hid in their safe room for nearly 24 hours while terrorists went door to door. But thanks to technology and quick thinking, Batia was able to help direct IDF forces and save her neighbors. While he was in Israel last month, our Rabbi Ammi Hirsch interviewed Batia.

Rotem Holin and her two children were taking shelter in their safe room when two Hamas terrorists arrived at their house. They are one of three families from their neighborhood who were neither murdered nor kidnapped that day.

Asaf Artel oversees all social aspects of Kibbutz Kissufim’s 120 member families. On October 7, he was able to guide Israeli troops from inside his shelter via walkie-talkie while they rescued people from his community. He and the rest of Kissufim’s surivors are living together at the Leonardo Plaza hotel near the Dead Sea.