Honoring the Lives Stolen on October 7th
On October 7, 2023, the world watched in horror as Hamas terrorists unleashed the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust—slaughtering families, burning homes, and taking 240 innocent civilians hostage, including children and the elderly. The brutality of that day shattered lives and left a wound that still bleeds, with hostages, including Americans, still held captive in Gaza’s dark tunnels more than a year later. Across Israel and the Jewish diaspora, fear and anguish have become daily companions, as families wait for news of their loved ones and communities mourn the unimaginable loss. Each passing day is a reminder of the fragility of peace and the ever-present shadow of hatred. The world’s conscience is tested, as the plea for the hostages’ safe return echoes across continents.
In response, “Run for Their Lives” emerged as a global movement of hope and solidarity. Founded by a small group of Israelis in California, the initiative quickly grew into an international network, uniting local communities through weekly runs and walks to raise awareness for the hostages still held by Hamas. Participants don red shirts and carry posters with the names and faces of the hostages, transforming ordinary streets into rivers of remembrance and resilience. Their mission is as heartfelt as it is urgent: to keep the plight of the hostages in the public eye, to pressure world leaders into action, and to remind the families that they are not alone. Every week, rain or shine, these gatherings become sanctuaries of compassion, where prayers are whispered, tears are shared, and the simple act of running or walking becomes a powerful statement that the world will not forget.
In the vibrant Tampa Bay Area of Florida, Anita embodies this spirit of compassion and resolve. Deeply rooted in her respect for the Jewish people and the lessons of the Holocaust, Anita refuses to be consumed by the despair that followed October 7. Instead, she channels her grief into purposeful action, organizing a devoted group of kindred spirits every Sunday morning for an eighteen-minute walk in steadfast solidarity with the hostages and their families.
Each week, Anita’s group is a tapestry of individuals, each bringing their own story and form of support. Among the regulars is a Jewish couple with family in Israel personally affected by the tragedy—the husband reads prayers for the captives in Hebrew, his voice carrying both pain and hope. Another woman, who deeply loves Israel and its people, joins weekly, bringing her vibrant worship flags that flutter in the morning breeze—a visual symbol of unwavering faith. A second couple holds posters of the hostages, including images of the four Americans who lost their lives, while their elderly father waves the American flag, a poignant reminder of the unity across borders. Many others come to support the cause: some walk in silence, lost in prayer or reflection; others offer words of encouragement or share stories of resilience. New faces join each week—students, local faith leaders, neighbors, and friends—drawn by the call to remember, to stand against hatred, and to demand the safe return of the hostages.
Each step they take is a quiet prayer, a living symbol of collective mourning and unwavering hope. Through this simple, sacred rhythm, Anita and her group turn sorrow into strength, building fragile yet vital bridges of empathy in a world too often divided. Even as opposition grows and shadows of prejudice linger, Anita’s resolve stands firm. She walks not out of anger, but from a profound belief in human dignity—and she has vowed to continue, week after week, standing with those who choose compassion, hoping with every fiber of her being until every hostage is brought home, their suffering honored, and their dignity fully and unequivocally restored.
The Run for Their Lives movement not only stands for the hostages—it stands because of people like Anita and her fellow walkers. Their unwavering commitment and compassion embody the heart of the movement, just as countless others around the world bring their voices, feet, and faith to this cause. In cities like Los Angeles, runners gather weekly by the hundreds, while in London, walkers carry signs through iconic streets to keep the hostages’ stories alive. From youth-led runs in Melbourne to interfaith gatherings in Toronto, each sector adds its own voice to this global outcry for justice. Volunteers organize art installations, call campaigns, and social media drives—every action, big or small, becomes a lifeline of awareness and hope.
Those that support the cause cherish individuals like Anita and her group, who remind the world that silence is not an option and that hope is a choice we make together. As long as even one hostage remains in captivity, Run for Their Lives will continue to move—steadily, faithfully—until every soul is home and the world remembers those we must never forget.
