East Hills JCC Honors Family Of 5 Killed In October 7 Hamas Attacks

EAST HILLS, NY — Next week marks two years since Hamas stormed into Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages.

One family suffered unimaginable loss in the October 7 attacks. A father, mother and their three children were killed in the October attacks.

The Sid Jacobson JCC in East Hills is honoring the Kutz family by creating a permanent display called "Wings of Hope."

Members of the community transformed small and broken pieces of toys into massive, colorful wings as a symbol of art rising from brokenness into resilence and unity.

Shaked Zazon, who is from Israel, organized the project with two others at the JCC. She didn't know the Kutz family but was greatly impacted by their tragic circumstances.

"They found them hugged together in the bed," Zazon told Patch. "It is very important to continue to tell their story and continue their legacy."

Part of that legacy is the "Wings of Hope" installation.

"[it was] a very beautiful way to commemorate the Kutz family," Zazon told Patch.

For two hours on Sunday, families came together to create this install for the public to appreciate. Another way people were able to participate was by dropping off those toy pieces to become part of the bittersweet project.

Zazon said they received donations from many people, not necessarily Jewish, from youngsters to the elderly, who wanted to pay tribute.

They used wood as the foundation for the toy pieces, all which got spray painted a rainbow of colors.

"It's beautiful to see the community come together," Zazon said.

She also gave a shout out those in the Early Childhood classes, who don't necessarily understand what "commemorate" means, Zazon said.

As an Israeli, Zazon said, "Right after October 7 happened, everyone just helped. It's the same with the Jewish community here."

The "Wings of Hope" display will be hung in a special Oct. 7 ceremony in the Sid Jacobson JCC lobby, located on Forest Drive.