Sculpture to remember 7 October unveiled at EHRS

Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) has unveiled a new addition to the shul’s Memorial Garden – a striking sculpture memorial to the victims of the 7 October 2023 terrorist attacks.

Created by EHRS member Josette Aitman Perloff, and unveiled by her sons Dillon and Jake, the sculpture is based on the motif of a ‘tree of life,’ sadly bereft from the losses of the Hamas atrocities, yet budding for the future and with a dove of peace landing on the top. 

It is hung with yellow ribbons for the hostages who were kidnapped to Gaza, and of whom 48 remain at the time of writing. One heart bears the initials of Jake Marlowe z’’l, a young man from the EHRS community murdered by Hamas at the Nova Music Festival while he was helping save the lives of others.

Below the sculpture is the debris left behind by the attacks, but yet with the anemones growing to show that there will be new life, and indeed a patch of ground which will grow every year within the sculpture itself.

Rabbi Mark Goldsmith of EHRS said: “This sculpture is a testament to our grief, our unity, and our enduring belief that peace and healing are possible. It will speak to generations to come, reminding them of what was lost, and of the beauty that can still grow.”