October 9, 2023
As a Jewish cultural center, the Skirball has always been committed to the safety and independence of the State of Israel and all who live there. We have watched in horror as news of invasion, murder, and kidnapping have come to us here in Los Angeles from family, friends, and Israelis under terrorist attack.
As the scale of the devastation—to human life, to peace in the region, to security in country—has come into view, I am reminded of how I felt on September 11, 2001. I could not fathom what would happen next, but when I didn’t feel numb, I felt a growing sense of dread, that it would only be getting worse and worse. Indeed, according to the U.S. State Department special envoy to monitor and combat Antisemitism, this has been the most lethal assault against Jews since the Holocaust.
Watching the news. Talking to my own family. Checking in on friends. Hearing who was still missing. Hearing who was getting out. Hearing who was being called up. Once again, I felt numb, unless I felt dread.
The Skirball is an organization fundamentally dedicated to fostering hope. Where is hope to be found today?
I heard an update from our weekly docent training. This class had come together as scheduled this morning, despite these events. The group of 50 included one member with a 75-year old cousin who is presumed taken by Hamas. Many others have their own connections and fears. They all came to class, which this week featured teenaged guests from Las Fotos Project in Boyle Heights. They shared how they were feeling with one another. They spent some moments in silence. My colleague reflected, “overall, it was a reminder of the strength of our community and their orientation towards service.”
There is hope to be found in acts of solidarity.
The Skirball stands firmly in solidarity with Israelis and all organizations and countries repudiating these attacks. We are here to welcome you if you need a place to be in community, a distraction, a place to exhale, a peaceful moment to yourself, or just a friendly face. Because in community there is hope.
Jessie Kornberg (she/her)
President and CEO
Skirball Cultural Center
Photograph by John Elder • Courtesy of Skirball Cultural Center
A note on traditions of welcome and security in a time of grief and conflict
As a Jewish cultural center, the Skirball honors the most basic tenet of Judaic teaching: that every life contains within it a divine spark and is equally deserving of dignity and kindness. To see thousands of people killed, injured, and terrorized in the Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent violence and dehumanization consuming the entire region as a result is utterly heartbreaking. Read more.
Seeking Human Connection—Community Resources in a Time of Uncertainty
Following the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7 and the ensuing conflict, we have compiled resources and conducted events to help us feel more connected to each other, better understand the complex history of the region, and find ways to cope with the harsh realities of antisemitism at home and the war abroad. Read more.