08/10/2026
Three years after the Hamas massacre in Israel, the South African Zionist Federation Cape Council, in partnership with the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies, The Base and the Jewish National Fund, hosted our October 7 commemoration ceremony.
We remembered those who were brutally murdered, maimed and kidnapped by Hamas terrorists who stormed the border at 6:29am on that dreadful day – the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. The attack led to the war that followed, with Israel fighting to bring the hostages home and to prevent Hamas from ever again carrying out such an attack against Israel’s people.
We commemorated that infamous day with dignity and reverence, coming together as a community to honour the lives lost and stand with the families who continue to carry unimaginable grief. Through moments of reflection, remembrance and song, we gave voice to both our sorrow and our resolve.
Our guest and keynote speaker, Doron Libstein, spoke movingly about his brother, Ofir, and nephew, Nitzan, both of whom were tragically killed while defending the residents of Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the onslaught. Doron challenged each of us to ask a simple but powerful question: “How can I help?”
It is a question he lives by every day. His philosophy is that we can all be heroes when we ask how we can help – and then act on the answer. His words were inspiring, thoughtful and deeply poignant, reminding us that even in the face of profound loss, each of us has the capacity to make a difference.
The evening confirmed what we already know: that even in the darkest of times, our community stands united. We will not forget those who were taken from us. We will continue to stand proudly with Israel, to honour the memory of the victims by living our values openly and unapologetically, and to ensure that the world never looks away from what happened on October 7.
Am Y’Israel Chai
A special thank you to the Wilfred and Fay Back Charitable Trust for generously sponsoring our October 7th event. Their support made it possible for our community to come together in remembrance of the victims, to honour their memory, to mourn as one, and to stand in solidarity with those still living with the pain of that day. At a time when coming together matters more than ever, the Foundation's commitment gave our community a dignified space to reflect, remember and draw strength from one another. We thank you sincerely for your vision, generosity and steadfast support of our community.
