As all of Israel waits for the peace agreement to actualize and the hostages to be returned home, more than 2,000 bereaved Israelis who have lost their loved ones to war and terror gathered at Park Janana in Kibbutz Anavim, in the Jerusalem mountains, for a Sukkot celebration organized by OneFamily, the national organization supporting bereaved families and victims of terror.
The large-scale celebration offered a day of joy, connection and remembrance amid the emotional complexity of ongoing national trauma and hostage returns in a powerful show of unity and resilience.
“This is a very complex day,” said Uzi and Hagit Rosenzweig, parents of fallen soldier Eitan Rosenzweig. “We are very happy that the hostages are returning, that families are being reunited, but our son isn’t ever coming home. This is the right place for us to be, among others who understand exactly what we’re going through.”
The festive event featured a wide range of attractions: climbing walls, rope courses, inflatables, laser tag, face-painting, balloon artists and more. A “massage station” was set up in a giant event tent, with massage therapists with professional tables. Hundreds of volunteers and staff members made sure to support single parents and grandparents, and to keep the huge crowd calm, comforted and cared for.
Each family received a gift. The day ended on a literal high note with a concert by Israeli artist Moshe Korsia, whose energetic performance had families dancing together in the breathtaking atmosphere of the Jerusalem hills. The entire experience reinforced One Family’s central message: healing and happiness through community and togetherness.
Since Oct. 7, OneFamily has been working tirelessly to reach every affected family, offering emotional and financial support, therapy workshops, and crisis response. As Israel’s largest provider of services and support for victims of terror and war and their families for more than 24 years, they have been serving as a critical lifeline for those who have paid the ultimate price.
Meir Hershkowitz’s son Netanel was killed in Jabalia in the Gaza Strip, trying to rescue hostages. “I’m thrilled for those families, but we must also remember the bereaved. This is such an important event, especially during the holidays when the absence is most deeply felt. Being here with other families who understand the same pain is powerful.”
The thousands of participants were a stark reminder that grief and loss touch every sector of the Jewish state. Old and young, religious and secular, families came from throughout the country. Also attending were adults who became orphans due to terror 20 years ago. Ever since, they say, “family time during Chol Hamoed Sukkot” means with this family: OneFamily.
Many participants are widows and orphans from this war, including those who lost both parents in the massacre on Oct. 7. Many parents of soldiers have also fallen in battle over the past two years. For each family attending, there is a different story, a different set of needs.
“Events like these are not just celebrations,” said Chantal Belzberg, founding director of OneFamily. “They are a lifeline. They remind families that they are not forgotten and that an entire community continues to stand by them.”
