Local IDF Soldiers Inspire Crowd
Emet students and community members gathered at the Young Israel of Queens Valley for an emotional and inspirational evening to commemorate October 7. Organized by Emet’s JBoard, the program was a collaboration with the Bukharian Culture Club and the Israel on Campus Coalition. The evening felt especially poignant as it took place on Motza’ei Shabbos, October 11 – a time filled with anticipation and hope for the release of the hostages on October 13.
Aptly themed “From Darkness to Light: The Days after October 7,” the program began with a welcome from Reuben Paris, president of YIQV. Emet’s own Shlomo Mash followed with a moving rendition of “HaTikvah” and “Am Yisrael Chai.” Rabbi Akiva Rutenberg, Emet co-founder and CEO, explained that since the event was held during Chol HaMoed Sukkos, it was Z’man Simchaseinu – a time to balance joy while remembering the civilians and soldiers lost in the wake of October 7. He shared that Sukkos represents achdus, when we realize that we are all connected and recognize that true protection comes only from Hashem.
Rabbi Rutenberg then introduced Rabbi David Markowitz, Executive Vice President of Olami, who elaborated on how October 7 and the return of the hostages are “defining moments” for our generation. His words were engaging and uplifting as he spoke about the transformative journey “from darkness to light” that the Jewish people experience every year during the Yamim Nora’im. Rabbi Markowitz connected chasidic tales from Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev to today’s struggle to bring the hostages home and the ongoing need to fight anti-Semitism on campus. He reminded the audience that Jews do not respond to darkness with despair, but with kindness, chesed, and love.
The focal point of the evening was a riveting panel discussion moderated by Ariel Akbashev, a Queens College student and co-founder of the Emet JBoard. Center stage were Sam Fried, 28, of Jamaica Estates, and Jeremy Sofiev, 22, of Fresh Meadows – both of whom courageously served in the IDF. In a conversation that captivated the audience, Sam and Jeremy shared personal reflections on their experiences in Gaza and their ongoing advocacy for the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
Among their thought-provoking comments, Jeremy said that he believes “every Jew has a moral obligation to fulfill for the State of Israel. It could be fulfilled in different ways: by learning Torah, volunteering, or donating. I felt mine should be through military service because I was ready, willing, and able.” When asked how to navigate anti-Semitism on college campuses, Sam emphasized the importance of leadership, education, and creating dialogue through empathy. He inspired the crowd, saying: “Go out and do the thing you think you can’t do. Every day is an opportunity to do something special with your life. Hashem is making sure that you are here. The continuity of the Jewish state is in the hands of every person in this room. I challenge you to do something. This is not Soviet Russia. This is not the Holocaust. This is not the Spanish Inquisition. This is America in 2025. What are you going to do to ensure that the tragedy of Jewish history does not continue? Think about it – and do something.”
The evening concluded with Rabbi Rutenberg inviting Sam and Jeremy to share final stories that reflected the achdus of am Yisrael and how they found light amid the darkness of Gaza.
Anyone interested in watching the full October 7 program can visit @EmetOutreach on Instagram.
