News Summary
Beverly Hills has announced a new permanent memorial titled ‘Forty Steps to the Sky’ to honor victims of the October 7 attacks on Israel. Supported by over 3,100 letters from the public, the memorial will be located near the Public Library and will include significant design elements representing the victims. Mayor Sharona Nazarian emphasized its importance as a commitment to remembering those lost and combating antisemitism. The unveiling ceremony showcased personal stories and community engagement, with the memorial expected to be completed in the coming years.
Beverly Hills Unveils Plans for “Forty Steps to the Sky” Memorial Honoring Victims of Oct. 7 Attacks on Israel
In Beverly Hills, a new permanent memorial titled “Forty Steps to the Sky” has been announced to honor the victims of the October 7 attacks on Israel. The announcement made by Mayor Sharona Nazarian follows overwhelming public support, reflected in more than 3,100 letters urging the city to establish a remembrance plan. The unveiling ceremony took place on October 5, 2025, at the Beverly Hills Public Library and was attended by over 100 individuals.
The memorial is strategically located at the northeast corner of Rexford Drive and South Santa Monica Boulevard, adjacent to the Public Library and across from the 9/11 Memorial Garden. It aims to stand as an enduring reminder of the lives lost during the tragic attacks, as well as a symbol of unity against rising antisemitism.
Designed by Art Nesterenko from Broskin Studio, the memorial centers around a circular basin made of concrete mixed with sand and gravel from Israel. The basin will be divided into twelve sections, paying homage to each month of the year. Water will flow over Hebrew engravings on the basin, reflecting the concept of “reverb of tears.” Engraved on a curved wall will be the names of over 1,200 victims, which includes 46 Americans and individuals from more than 30 countries.
Design Details and Symbolism
One of the most striking features of the memorial is a 23-foot steel spiral staircase sculpture, which represents the year 2023, consisting of 40 steps to symbolize the 40 weeks leading to the attacks. The staircase will fracture as it rises, mirroring the uncertainty and trauma that followed the events of October 7. Each step will be adorned with custom-stained glass created from melted glass and sand sourced from Israel.
Educational and Community Engagement
The memorial will also feature a garden with plants native to Israel, designed to serve as an educational space for school groups and visitors. The city has allocated $500,000 in funds for the project and has received approximately $1 million in donations for construction.
Significance and Support
Mayor Nazarian expressed the memorial’s profound importance, asserting that it represents a “promise” to ensure that the lives lost will not be forgotten. This initiative is notably the first permanent monument in the U.S. dedicated to honoring victims of the October 7 attacks. The city has committed to completing the memorial by October 7, 2026, although the groundbreaking date has yet to be announced.
Ceremony Highlights
During the unveiling ceremony, Danielle Sasi, a survivor of the attacks, shared her poignant story, highlighting her father’s heroic actions during the tragic event. Dignitaries present included the Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Southwest and various Jewish community leaders. The ceremony concluded with a candle-lighting moment led by the City Council and a performance by elementary school students from the Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy Choir.
Conclusion
The unveiling of the “Forty Steps to the Sky” memorial marks a significant step in Beverly Hills’ commitment to honoring the victims of the October 7 attacks and promotes awareness of combatting antisemitism within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beverly Hills Plans Memorial for Victims of Hamas Attacks
Additional Resources
- Beverly Press: Site Dedication for Forty Steps – Oct 7 Memorial
- Wikipedia: October 7 Attacks
- Jewish Journal: Artist Renderings of the October 7 Memorial
- Google Search: October 7 attacks
- MyNewsLA: Second Anniversary of Oct 7 Attacks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Antisemitism
- Beverly Press: One Beverly Hills Unveils Public Gardens Plan
- Google News: Beverly Hills October 7 memorial
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
