It’s hard to believe it’s been three years.
Last Wednesday, Chagit Sofiev-Leviev, President of the Congress of Bukharian Jews of the USA and Canada, joined Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon, Dr. Phil McGraw, diplomats, community leaders and survivors for a solemn commemoration of the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, held at the U.N. in New York..
Hosted by the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations, the event brought together hundreds of ambassadors, diplomats and Jewish leaders to remember the victims of October 7, 2023, honor the survivors and their families, and reflect on the resilience of the Jewish people.
One of the most emotional moments of the program featured October 7 survivors Eliya Cohen and Ziv Abud. Cohen, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival and held hostage in Gaza for 505 days, and Abud, who survived the massacre, shared their experiences in a conversation moderated by Dr. Phil.
“Three years later, the pain of October 7 is still very much with us,” said Sofiev-Leviev. “Listening to the survivors and former hostages is a painful reminder of what our people endured, and of how real the hatred we continue to face is. We can never take our safety, our security or our ability to stand proudly as Jews for granted.”
Sofiev-Leviev also expressed her appreciation for those who have continued to stand publicly with Israel and the Jewish people.
“I am especially grateful to voices like Dr. Phil, who have chosen to stand beside Israel so publicly and consistently and to help bring the truth to light. Having strong voices stand with us matters.”
Ambassador Danon emphasized the importance of ensuring that the atrocities of October 7 are never erased or forgotten, while highlighting the resilience of the Israeli people.
For Sofiev-Leviev, participating in the commemoration was also an opportunity to represent the Bukharian Jewish community at an important international gathering.
“Our community understands deeply the importance of Jewish identity, unity and standing together,” she said. “We remember those we lost, we stand with the survivors and their families, and we remain committed to ensuring that the story of October 7 is never forgotten.”
— The Bukharian Times