This year’s commemoration will feature powerful voices and messages that emphasize that this is a story of strength, resilience, and continuous growth.

• Welcome: Florina Newcomb, CEO, Birmingham Jewish Federation
• Reflections: Julian Resnick, Israeli Scholar-in-Residence and friend
• Remarks: Phillip Ensler and David Faulkner, Alabama State Representatives and members of the Alabama Israel Legislative Caucus
• Interfaith Message: Herbby Geer, Lead Mission Strategist for the Tuscaloosa County Baptist Association, who lived in Israel for 38 years and brings a deeply personal perspective of connection and support

The program will also uplift younger voices and highlight our community:

• N. E. Miles Jewish Day School (NEMJDS) will champion the Wings of Hope project, a permanent art installation in the school created by the students, staff, and community, representing our hope for peace. Robin Berger, Director of Recruitment & Retention, NEMJDS,  will introduce and officially kick off this project during the program. Click HERE to learn more about Livnat Kutz and her family Z”L, and the inspiration behind Wings of Hope.
• Representatives from our “Israel Community Committee” will lead prayers in both Hebrew and English.
• Guy Kobrin, our Israeli Campus Fellow (Shaliach) serving at the University of Alabama Hillel, will share his personal story and lead Hillel students from both the University of Alabama and Auburn University in singing Hatikva. They will be accompanied by a young violinist performing on the Soldiers Violin, an instrument restored from the Holocaust by Amnon Weinstein and now displayed at the Alabama Holocaust Education Center, creating a moving and memorable moment for all in attendance.