The World Jewish Congress-Israel launched the Eternal Embrace exhibition at the United Nations in New York to mark the one-year anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attack by Hamas. The poignant exhibit features the stories of 25 mothers whose children were murdered in the terrorist attack, coinciding with an official commemoration event by the Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN.
Crafted by Israeli artist and photographer Ifat Peer, the exhibition’s opening was attended by Sigal Shteiner Manzuri, mother of Norelle and Roya Manzuri, who were killed during the Nova Music Festival massacre, accompanied by Norelle's partner, Amit Cohen.
The project portrays the bereaved mothers holding photos of their children, sharing two emotional moments: the last embrace and the moment they received the terrible news. At the opening, remarks were delivered by Sigal Shteiner Manzuri and Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon.
The exhibit has previously toured various cities in Israel, portraying individual stories, including those of Shani Louk and Eden Zacharia, who were murdered while in captivity, as well as Jamal Abbas from the Druze community.
Reflecting on the significance of the exhibition, Hadassa Getsztain, Chairperson of the World Jewish Congress-Israel, remarked, “The Eternal Embrace exhibition is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. It reminds us that the pain and loss of October 7 are not only personal but deeply affect Israelis and Jews worldwide. Among the victims were young men and women, full of dreams and hopes, whose lives were brutally cut short. Through the eyes of the bereaved mothers, we come to know their children, their worlds, and the final moments they shared. The exhibition’s display on the international stage reflects our heritage and collective memory. The entire Jewish people are united to ensure that the stories of the fallen are heard, remembered, and transcend borders and generations.”
The World Jewish Congress-Israel sponsored the exhibit in a joint initiative with the Zionist Council in Israel under the World Zionist Organization and the MomToo project.
