A Day to Remember: October 7th

October 7th has become a profoundly significant date for the Jewish world. Two years ago, Israel fell victim to one of the most sinister and traumatic attacks in its history. The terrorist group Hamas carried out this atrocity, committing horrific crimes against people of all ages present at the scene.

One of the most painful injuries inflicted upon the people and government of Israel was the murder, torture, and rape of over a thousand individuals, in addition to the kidnapping of 254 others. Their lives and safe return have been the central focus of efforts and negotiations during these two years of renewed escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Two years ago

On October 7, 2023, the Jewish Community of Cuba was preparing to celebrate Simchat Torah. Although we completed the reading of the last parashah of Devarim and the first of Bereshit, the unique joy that characterizes this celebration was stolen from Cuban Jews. The pain of lives lost and the horror depicted in images of attacks on innocent people wounded us all.

Over these two years, our community has remained steadfast in its support of Israel and has never ceased demanding the hostages’ return. Notably, several young Cubans have joined the IDF in defense of Israel during this time. Meanwhile, our kehila’s Youth Organization launched the "Mural of the Abducted," a project dedicated to monitoring the fate of those held captive by Hamas.

A special and unique moment

This year, in 2025, we held a special gathering at the Patronato Synagogue to commemorate the second anniversary of the October 7th attacks. With key community leaders and members of the diplomatic corps in attendance, around 130 members of our kehila joined the memorial event. Several speeches were delivered, a poem was recited, and an allegorical rikud (dance) was performed in remembrance.

However, the most poignant moment of the evening was the presence of Laura Malo Londoño, a young Israeli artist of Colombian origin—a DJ, musician, and composer—and one of the survivors of the Nova Festival, a primary target of Hamas on that fateful day.

Laura among us

Laura Malo’s testimony was filled with harrowing and heartbreaking details. Yet, underlying her story was a message of faith and hope. She recounted her experience vividly, sharing photographs of the places where she endured the trauma and even playing an audio recording of her farewell message to her parents.

The clarity and courage with which this brave young woman shared her story resonated deeply with every Cuban Jew present. It was a privilege to have her among us and to witness the power of faith in God. At the end of her speech, she performed two of her original musical pieces.

Laura’s fundamental message was clear: “I did not surrender—I survived. And I am here with you because it was God’s will.” Her presence allowed us to reflect deeply on the tragedy. October 7th—a day to remember—was etched in our hearts not only as a day of mourning but also as proof that even in darkness, faith and life endure. Laura’s story, like that of Israel, reminds us that even in tragedy, there remains room for redemption and light.