As Miss Israel and Miss World influencer, these past two years since October 7, 2023 have marked one of the darkest days for the Jewish people since the Holocaust — a day that changed Israel forever. Last week, I had the profound honor of standing alongside 1,200 diplomats, community leaders, and supporters at the National Remembrance Ceremony for the October 7 Massacre, hosted by the Consulate General of Israel in New York in partnership with the La’Aretz Organization.
The ceremony took place at Congregation Shearith Israel, one of North America’s oldest and most historic synagogues.
As Miss Israel, remembering my upbringing in Jerusalem inspires me to stand for my values in New York for this cause more than any other. I feel a deep responsibility to advocate for Jewish people, support the return of the hostages, and honor those affected by October 7. Since that day, I have spent countless weeks walking the streets of New York in the cold, placing posters of hostages on lamp posts and street corners — gluing their faces where the world could see them. Each poster was a silent prayer, and each tear that fell from a passerby’s eyes reminded me that these families were not alone.
In February 2025, I had a deeply personal and historic experience: I was the only journalist presentto capture the first handshake between U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff and the hostage families. These were the families I had traveled alongside to Mar-a-Lago, raising awareness and advocating for their loved ones. Witnessing that handshake — the first sign of hope after months of uncertainty — was a moment so powerful it felt as though history itself was holding its breath. My photographs from that moment were later published in over one hundred publications worldwide, sharing the story of resilience and hope with the world.
The evening at Congregation Shearith Israel was a poignant reminder of our unity. Each candle lit in memory of those taken from us was more than a symbol of loss — it was a light of resilience, a promise that darkness will never win.
Among the honored speakers was Ofir Akunis, Israel’s Consul General in New York, whose words carried compassion, strength, and a call for justice:
“There must be a public trial for the terrorists — just as there was for Eichmann. Justice must be seen, and justice must be done.”
Akunis also emphasized national unity: “The time has come for national reconciliation in the State of Israel. We must not return to the days before October 7th. When our forces fought on the battlefield, they did not ask one another about their political views — they stood shoulder to shoulder against the enemy to ensure Israel’s security.”
The ceremony followed the recent release of 20 living hostages from Hamas captivity, after more than two years. Akunis praised the heroic IDF soldiers who sacrificed their lives and thanked U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for their essential role in securing the hostages’ release.
The ceremony also included deeply moving remarks from Sigal Halifa, whose daughter Gaya was murdered after attending the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023, and Ravid Tsanani, whose brother Tuval was killed while serving in the IDF in Gaza. Singer Kobi Aflalo performed heartfelt songs that brought the audience together in reflection and remembrance.
Among the attendees were consuls general from countries including Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Argentina, Serbia, Georgia, Japan, Sweden, and Finland, reflecting global solidarity with Israel.
As Miss Israel 2025, I have witnessed the incredible philanthropy of La’Aretz, an organization providing immediate support to families of victims and survivors of October 7, offering help exactly when it is needed most. In just three years, La’Aretz has helped over 850 families and raised more than $11 million to provide relief, scholarships, and emotional care to Israelis in need. Their work connects the global Jewish community with those who need it most, proving that even in the darkest times, hope and solidarity endure.
That night, surrounded by 1,200 hearts beating for Israel, I felt the true strength of our people. Each candle, each tear, and every moment of remembrance was a testament to resilience, courage, and unwavering unity.
October 7 will forever remain a scar in our history, but it also revealed the extraordinary depth of our collective strength. It reminded us that Am Yisrael Chai — the people of Israel live — not only in our homeland but in every heart that refuses to forget, surrender, or stop believing.
Two years later, we honor the memory of those we lost, stand with families who continue to grieve, and pray for the hostages who have not yet returned home.
Ayelet Raymond is a film and musical director who lives in New York City. She collaborated with young Broadway performers to create the American children’s television show “My Hebrewland.” She is the creative force behind the Kosher Barbie character and social media personality @kosher_Barbie.