Israel-Hamas War: Stories Of Courage, Loss Shared In Livingston

LIVINGSTON, NJ — When grenade-toting Hamas militants showed up in Rachel Edri’s living room, the Israeli woman who has become known as the “Cookie Bubby” had a reaction that many people in her shoes wouldn’t have the courage to try: she made them snacks and tea.

Edri was one of several people who recently attended a packed benefit event at Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy in Livingston, sharing her story from the front-line of the Israel-Hamas war along with several other speakers.

Their common link? They all have a direct connection to Oct. 7, 2023.

The evening was co-sponsored by the Metrowest Israel Action Committee and the Gush Etzion Foundation, in conjunction with Congregation AABJ&D, Amit LaDerech, B’nai Shalom of West Orange, Chabad of West Orange, Congregation Etz Chaim, Friendship Circle, JKHA/RKYHS, JNF, Congregation Ohr Torah, One Israel Fund, and Synagogue of the Suburban Torah.

Casualties and suffering have been heavy for Israelis and Palestinians alike as war continues to rage in the Middle East. More than 1,200 Israelis were killed after Hamas launched a coordinated attack on Oct. 7, including civilians and children. Meanwhile, the death toll from Palestinian authorities reportedly stands at more than 30,000 people who have been killed in Gaza – also including children and civilians.

• See Related: Israel-Hamas: How To Talk To Your Kids, Practice Self-Care

More than 500 people gathered at Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy last month to hear stories from Edri and others, who lost loved ones in the fighting – or helped to save lives.

In Edri’s case, that meant keeping her cool and finding ways to relate to her assailants during her 20-hour ordeal – even after one of them struck her in the face with his gun. While waiting for rescue, she served the militants canned pineapple, tea and her signature Moroccan cookies until police commandos – including her son, Evyatar – stormed the home and killed her attackers, the Associated Press reported.

In doing so, Edri prevented the militants from moving on to other homes, organizers of the March 17 event said.

Edri’s son told the audience that he and his mother will continue to tell their story and let people know that their spirit has not been broken.

It was just one of several “stories of bravery” from guest speakers, organizers said:

MISSILE ATTACK – “Mordechay Shenvald, a reservist tank commander, recuperated from being hit by an anti-tank RPG missile, causing him to break 11 ribs. In the devastating attack, he lost four friends who were fellow officers. An incredibly gifted musician, Mordechay shared his powerful story while interspersing it with stirring violin performances. In recounting his story, Mordechay shared that while in the hospital recuperating, he had the opportunity to play his violin with many talented Israeli musicians, and this provided tremendous comfort during his rehabilitation.”

DEFENDING KIBBUTZ – “Orna and Asher Naim, the parents of Amir, who was killed defending Kibbutz Erez, just 800 meters from Gaza, shared his story of heroism. An army officer, Amir, along with three members of the security team, defended the kibbutz from 40 terrorists, without assistance from the Israeli army. Amir’s wife is expecting their first child, a son, IYH within the next few weeks.”

SUPPORTING SOLDIERS – “Shlomo Hammer’s family made aliyah from Teaneck when he was a teenager. He served in the 551st brigade, which tragically lost 13 soldiers while fighting in Gaza. Shlomo fought valiantly for three consecutive months in Gaza, with no break. He conveyed his appreciation to the Gush Etzion Foundation for providing financial and emotional support to his family both during his absence and since his return.”

KILLED IN COMBAT – “Michal Greenglick, the sister of singing sensation, Shauli Greenglick, shared poignant words. Shauli, who put his rising singing career on hold to fight in Gaza, was killed in combat. A member of the Nahal Brigade’s 931st Battalion, he had just auditioned on Israel’s popular series, ‘The Next Star.’ Michal conveyed her message on behalf of the many siblings who have lost loved ones in the recent and past wars. She pointed out the strength she received from the other heroes who told their stories, and from the members of the audience, stating that their love and support has helped her to heal during this difficult time.”

MUSIC AND WAR – “Singer Shlomo Zichel an IDF reservist recently returned from fighting in Gaza. Shlomo, a gifted musician who is the grandson of Cantor Naftali Hershtik and nephew of Cantor Netanel Hershtik conveyed his message through song.”

The group’s fundraising tour also included appearances at Chabad at the Shore in Long Branch and at Lincoln Square Synagogue in New York City.

Organizers said the Gush Etzion Foundation is using funds raised from the tour to build a resilience center that will provide mental health support for returned hostages and soldiers, in addition to children, teens and other traumatized victims of the ongoing war. Make a donation to the center online here, or contact Gabi Harow, CEO, Gush Etzion Foundation at gabih@gush-etzion.org.il.

Co-organizer Barbara Listhaus, a psychologist, said it was striking that the speakers showed an “immense positivity” – even those who lost family members in the fighting.

“Initially, I thought that this positive thinking was a technique they learned from the mental health professionals who are helping them to cope and survive,” Listhaus said. “But, in fact I learned that this is the way that these individuals are surviving.”

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