Reframing the Narrative: San Diego’s Jewish Community Finds Strength in Music & Stories at Oct. 7 Commemoration Concert

On Oct. 9, hundreds of San Diegans filled The Sound in Del Mar, not in silence or sorrow, but in solidarity. Together, they sang, reflected and hoped for the future. Two years after the attacks on Oct.7, the war in Israel and Gaza has left deep scars and Jewish life around the world has been forever altered.

Yet amid the pain, the 2025 Oct. 7 Commemoration offered something rare: a chance to reclaim the Jewish narrative — from victimhood to heroism — through music, storytelling and community.

This year’s gathering marked a powerful shift from the somber vigils held in years past to an evening of remembrance and renewal. At the heart of the event was a special performance by Project Heroes, an internationally acclaimed Israeli ensemble that showcased powerful stories of heroism and bravery.

Born in the aftermath of Oct. 7, Israeli artist Gilad Segev created Project Heroes to honor the ordinary people who became heroes when they sacrificed their lives to save others during the attacks. 

One such story featured during the evening’s concert came from Sha’ar HaNegev, San Diego’s sister city in Israel, where Netta Epstein was killed after jumping on a grenade to protect his fiancée, Irene. While videos of Netta and Irene were projected behind them, the performers' powerful lyrics brought their courage and sacrifice to life.

Through Project Heroes, Gilad sought to transform grief into light and remind the Jewish community that the story of Netta and Irene — and so many others — has never been one of defeat, but of endurance, unity and faith. 

“We San Diegans are part of a story of redemption,” said Heidi Gantwerk, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego. “We looked at thousands of years of our history, and sadly, we have no shortage of examples of grief, destruction, oppression, exile and attempted eradication — and yet, we did not just survive, we thrived. We remained radically defiant in our hope. … That is our responsibility, and it's our triumph, too. We will not just help our brothers and sisters survive, we will all thrive together.”

The concert also happened to coincide with news of a ceasefire, casting the stories told in a new light of hope and possibility. Although the ceasefire remains fragile today, for many in attendance, the concert was a moment to draw strength from one another, feel proud of their Jewish identities, and renew their belief in the enduring strength and resilience of their community. 

This resilient spirit was on display throughout the evening, as San Diego’s Jewish community and its allies stood side by side in the candlelight that filled the venue, joining in songs, prayers and reflection between performances. 

“Tonight feels different,” said Charlene Seidel, President and Chief Philanthropy Officer of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego. “Tonight, many of us — myself included — are daring to feel joy. We are seeing images of hostage families crying happy tears, rather than weeping from grief and despair. For the first time, we are allowing ourselves to contemplate a future, very soon, where all our hostages will be home; a future where the State of Israel can shake off the ashes of the destruction of Oct. 7 while never forgetting the inspiration and determination of those we lost; a future where we can truly rebuild in every way through the lens of our most closely held and sacred values; a future, in the words of the Nova survivors, where we will truly be able to dance again.”

As the night continued, community leaders were joined by elected officials in standing together to reflect on the last two years and share hopeful messages for the eager return of the hostages.

“These reunions help remind us to keep faith in humanity, to keep working toward a future where all families can live in safety and in peace, because of that hope, grounded in our shared belief in peace, compassion and resilience, that's what gives tonight's gathering its meaning, its purpose," said Mayor Todd Gloria. "Also remember how this community here in San Diego, in Israel and around the world chose to respond to this terror, a response that was rooted in unity, not despair, a response that was marked by courage, not hate, a response that was about love, not fear, and a steadfast belief that this community can heal what cruelty tries to destroy.”

By evening’s end, the message was clear: even amid uncertainty, San Diego’s Jewish community continues to meet darkness with light — reminding us all that connection can allow hope to endure amid despair.

This event was presented by Jewish Federation of San Diego, together with the Leichtag Foundation, Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, Israeli-American Council and Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego. A special thanks to all the underwriting and community partners that made the event possible!

Underwriting Partners:

• Chabad Hebrew Academy

• American Jewish Committee, San Diego

• Temple Adat Shalom

• Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego

• Temple Emanu-El San Diego

• Congregation Beth Israel of San Diego

• Friends of the IDF

• Chabad of University City

• San Diego Community Kollel

• Ken Jewish Community

• Temple Solel

• Camp Mountain Chai

• Congregation Adat Yeshurun

• Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Community Partners:

• Ohr Shalom

• Anti-Defamation League of San Diego

• Youth Action Movement

• Congregation Beth El

• Jewish National Fund-USA

• San Diego Hebrew Day

• American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)

• StandWithUs

• Coastal Roots Farm

• Congregation Beth Am

• San Diego Jewish Academy

You can read more about the event here and hear more of Netta Epstein’s story here.