By Igor Alterman | Special to the Jewish Journal

Two years. Seven hundred and thirty days. That is how long we have been living with the wound of October 7. For the families of those still held hostage in Gaza, those days have crawled by in anguish—each one an eternity of waiting and praying. For us, as a global Jewish community, those same days have been marked by unprecedented pain, but also by unity and resolve.

The scar of October 7 is visible in our homes, synagogues and conversations. Yet in the midst of that pain, something extraordinary has emerged: a renewed yearning for belonging, for safety and for Jewish pride. Families from across North America are choosing to make South Florida their home because here they can live fully and proudly as Jews. In South Palm Beach County, children attend public and day schools without hiding their identity. Neighbors wear Stars of David in the grocery store without fear. Here, Jewish life is not only safe, it is the very heartbeat of our community.

South Palm Beach County is home to more than 150,000 Jewish residents, making it one of the largest Jewish communities in the nation. But size alone is not what matters. What matters is the kind of Jewish future we are building. And that future is shaped, strengthened and sustained by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.

Federation is more than an allocator of funds. We are the headquarters of Jewish life in our home community. We invest millions of dollars each year to secure our institutions, to educate our children, to provide for those in need and to care for the elderly. We ensure that Jewish identity is celebrated across every stage of life. We are the voice that speaks for this community, the convener that brings people together and the leader that sets the course for Jewish continuity in South Palm Beach County.

This past year, Federation has elevated security across our community, bringing in resources, expertise and partnerships that have made a tangible difference. Synagogues, schools and Jewish organizations are now better protected, not only through enhanced funding but also through hands-on training and mentorship. The result is felt every day: families gathering for Shabbat with greater confidence, children learning in classrooms free from fear and seniors attending programs knowing their safety is cared for. Because of the Federation’s leadership, security is no longer just a measure of protection, it is the foundation that allows Jewish life here to flourish openly and proudly.

Our commitment extends far beyond our own borders. With the long-standing partnership of Zichron Yaakov, our sister city in Israel, and a new three-year investment in Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha in the south of Israel, we are helping rebuild physically and emotionally. Additionally, more than 60 community members have traveled on five missions since October 7, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Israelis during their darkest hour. Soon, through Volunteer Israel, more of us will have the chance to roll up our sleeves and contribute directly.

These efforts are part of a larger system. Federations across North America have raised close to a billion dollars for Israel since October 7. Together, we are sustaining a people, strengthening a homeland and securing Jewish vitality at home.

This moment calls us to act with purpose and our charge is clear:

Live proudly Jewish. October 7 and the rise of antisemitism must not drive us into silence. Let us express our identity with joy and courage.

Engage in community. Jewish life is strongest when shared, whether in synagogue, through the Federation, at the JCC, or even around a mahjong table.

Care for one another. In times of fear, even the smallest acts of kindness, checking on a neighbor or welcoming someone to a holiday table can carry immeasurable weight.

Two years after October 7, we grieve. But we also choose to lead. Here in South Palm Beach County, Jewish life is not fragile, it is flourishing. Families are planting roots. Our institutions are stronger than ever. Our bond with Israel is unbreakable. And our Federation is at the center, guiding this community forward with pride, strength and vision.

Igor Alterman is the President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, leading one of the most dynamic Jewish communities in the country. With over 15 years of experience in philanthropy and Jewish communal leadership, he has previously served as CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas and University of Miami Hillel. A Wexner Field Fellow and ROI Schusterman Alum, Igor is recognized for his strategic vision, fundraising success and deep commitment to Jewish life. He can be reached at ceo@jewishboca.org.

Read this op-ed as it appeared in the Sun Sentinel’s Jewish Journal: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/10/01/standing-strong-after-oct-7-commentary/