Last week, the 7th and 8th grade Hebrew classes came together in a heartfelt commemoration of the Bibas family and to honor the 59 remaining hostages still held in Gaza. These hostages have been imprisoned and tortured in Hamas tunnels for more than 500 days since October 7. The devastating news about Ariel, Kfir, and Shiri Bibas has deeply impacted all of us. As the Jewish nation in Israel and around the world mourned and paid their respects to the Bibas family, accompanying them in their funeral procession, we at Bernard Zell felt it was essential to reflect on this tragedy.

During Jewish Studies, Hebrew classes, and Gibush, we gathered to process the information. We checked in with our students, discussing what they already knew about the situation, allowed them space to share their feelings, and helped them navigate the emotional challenges that arose.

On Thursday, Ms. Benizri’s and Ms. Barak’s classes took part in a symbolic act, releasing biodegradable orange balloons to represent hope for the return of all 59 hostages—whether to their families or for a proper burial. Rabbi Prass shared a D'var Torah, and Ms. Benizri recited the Mourner’s Kaddish - the Jewish prayer that honors the dead and praises God - on behalf of the entire group.

On Friday, Ms. Ruthman’s and Mr. Har Even’s classes participated in a moving activity. They wrote the names of the 59 hostages on orange ribbons, which they then tied to three trees on the Plaza, replacing the old ribbons that were previously there. The group gathered in a circle outside the Plaza, and Mr. Har Even recited the Mourner’s Kaddish for the souls of the Bibas family and the 35 hostages believed to have already lost their lives.

Later, students reflected on the ribbons, the Mourner’s Kaddish, and the significance of public displays of mourning and remembrance. They discussed how these gestures can be powerful and meaningful, bringing the lives and losses of the hostages back into focus, even if just for a few moments. These activities allowed our students and our community to process the painful news from Israel while instilling hope for the eventual return of all the hostages and for peace in the region.