KINGSTON, Pa. — Elinor Britton-Bariach lived in a town with her family a mile from the Gaza border in Israel. On October 7, 2023, her town was attacked by Hamas soldiers, "I was realizing we have no way to protect our life if they are coming in. So it's either all 5 of us are being murdered, or all 5 of us are alive."
A year later, she tells her story to raise awareness of what it was like actually being in the Oct. 7 attack, "I think it's major and very important for us, standing right after what happened and not pretending as if we're telling a story 55 years ago so everybody can see who we are, normal people."
Organizers of the anniversary service at the Friedman Jewish Community Center wanted Britton-Bariach to help their congregation get a different insight into the event.
"We've all sort of heard things, but at a distance, so I think the reality of sharing a space with someone who's a survivor is very both painful, but very much needed for us to gain more perspective," said Rabbi David Kaplan, JCC.
And some members of the JCC felt they gained a different perspective after hearing her speak.
"It sends home the message much more clearly of what actually happened on Oct. 7th because it was from somebody who actually experienced it. So, it really brought more clarity and actually more sadness," said Debbie Troy, President of the JCC.
"I am absolutely brought to tears as to what they went through, the whole experience I can't begin to fathom," said Hal Levine, JCC member.
Monday night's event was free and open to the public.
Rabbi David Kaplan also led a brief service in memory of those who were killed on October 7 and offered a prayer of peace.