News Summary
Beverly Hills has dedicated a memorial honoring the victims of the October 7 attacks in Israel. Survivor Danielle Sasi shared her emotional account, emphasizing the importance of remembrance. The memorial, featuring a sculpture and a wall of names, aims to educate and foster reflection. Funded by public and private donations, it represents community support for the victims’ families, with completion expected in 2026.
Beverly Hills, California, marked a poignant moment in history on October 5, 2023, as it unveiled a memorial dedicated to the victims of the tragic October 7 attacks in Israel. This significant event follows two years after the devastating incident, which led to the loss of nearly 1,200 lives as a result of an attack by Hamas.
During the dedication ceremony, survivor Danielle Sasi shared her harrowing experience of hiding in a bomb shelter during the attacks. Sasi expressed her gratitude for surviving, having lost her father during the incident, a sentiment she stated took her two years to vocalize. The emotional weight of her story captured the essence of the memorial’s purpose—to honor those who lost their lives and provide a space for reflection and remembrance.
The program featured speeches by prominent figures including Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian, artist Art Nesterenko, Rabbi Pini Dunner, and Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Southwest, Israel Bachar. Mayor Nazarian emphasized the memorial’s importance, referring to it as a sacred ground for education and remembrance, insisting that “Never again is now.” Rabbi Dunner added spiritual significance by reciting Psalm 121 in both Hebrew and English, advocating for prayers for the release of hostages.
Details of the Memorial
The memorial, titled “Forty Steps to the Sky,” is set to be the first permanent memorial in the United States dedicated to the victims of the October 7 attacks. It will feature a 23-foot sculpture resembling a spiral staircase, symbolizing the 40 weeks leading up to the tragic event. The structure is expected to be constructed from materials sourced directly from Israel.
Behind the sculpture will sit a memorial wall featuring the names of all victims of the attack. Artist Art Nesterenko explained that the design aims to forge a lasting connection, representing families who have suffered losses. Additionally, the memorial garden will include a circular basin made of concrete mixed with sand and gravel from Israel, symbolizing the “reverb of tears.”
Funding and Community Support
The memorial was made possible through a combination of public and private funding, amounting to $1.5 million, which includes $500,000 from the city and around $1 million in donations. The significant community engagement is further reflected in the collection of over 3,100 letters advocating for the memorial’s establishment, showcasing strong local support for honoring the victims.
Memorial Design Features
The design will include Hebrew engravings and plants native to Israel, offering both a space for mourning and a place for educational purposes surrounding the events of October 7. The completion date for the memorial is projected for October 7, 2026, serving as an enduring reminder of the lives lost and the ongoing discussions related to the conflict and the release of hostages from Gaza.
Community leaders joined the ceremony to express solidarity with victims and survivors, thus reinforcing Beverly Hills’ commitment to remember the tragedy and ensure that such events are never forgotten.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beverly Hills Art Show Features 250 Artists
Beverly Hills Plans ‘Forty Steps to the Sky’ Memorial
Beverly Hills Mayor Addresses Public Safety and Community Unity
New Diner ‘Max and Helen’s’ to Open in Los Angeles
Beverly Hills Mayor Leads Antisemitism Summit in Australia
Beverly Hills Plans Memorial for Victims of Hamas Attacks
Beverly Hills Parks Commission Updates on Playground and Pickleball
Sharona Nazarian Sworn In as Beverly Hills’ First Jewish-Iranian Mayor
Beverly Hills Hosts Panel on Jewish Identity and Antisemitism
California Sees Significant Rise in Consumer Confidence
Additional Resources
- Beverly Press: Forty Steps Oct 7 Memorial
- Wikipedia: October 7 attacks
- Beverly Hills Courier: Oct 7 Memorial Ceremony
- Google Search: October 7 memorial in Beverly Hills
- Jewish Journal: Artist Renderings of the Memorial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hamas
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.
