NYC Gazette

On May 7, marking seven months since the Hamas attack on Israel, 94 students from Yeshiva University's (YU) Beren Campus attended the Nova Festival exhibit in Lower Manhattan. Among them was Einav Danino, mother of Ori Danino, a 25-year-old hostage still held by Hamas. The group was also accompanied by Rabbi Shay Schachter, Associate Dean Shoshana Schechter and Rabbi Azriel Fine.

The exhibit displayed hundreds of items collected from the Nova Festival. Personal belongings left behind after the attack were on display, including tents, blankets, chairs, water bottles, backpacks and books. Signage and bullet-riddled cars used in attempted escapes were also featured. Screens throughout the exhibit showed videos of survivors recounting their experiences and footage of the attack itself.

The presence of Ms. Danino lent a poignant aspect to the visit for the students. She shared with them that this was her first time viewing any footage from that day. Her son Ori had left the festival with a friend as soon as they realized what was happening but decided to return to rescue three friends he had met earlier. On his return journey, he picked up others seeking escape but was eventually stopped and taken hostage along with his passengers.

An unplanned encounter occurred when some members of the YU group ran into New York University students waiting to see the exhibit. Rabbi Schachter introduced Ms. Danino to these students who offered emotional support after hearing her story.

Upon returning to Beren campus, Rabbi Schachter showed Ms. Danino a wall in Stern lobby filled with posters of many hostages including her son Ori’s poster among them. She then spoke to students about her faith and hope for her son's return despite adversity.

Rabbi Schachter expressed how deeply inspiring it was to attend the Nova Festival exhibit with Ms. Danino and witness her strength and resilience firsthand. A student echoed this sentiment, stating that the visit was an emotional whirlwind and Ms. Danino's trust in God and resilience were indescribable and inspiring.

The visit concluded with the group reciting the 27th chapter of Tehillim together with Ms. Danino, symbolizing their shared hope for Ori's release and a peaceful future.