Humans of October 7th: A Conversation with Erez Kaganovitz

Presented by JCC Chicago’s Growing Hope

2pm | In-Person Reception in the Museum Gallery
2:30pm | Zoom Conversation with the Artist
Free to the public.

To attend in person, RSVP to Rachel Kamin at rkamin@nssbethel.org.
Virtual option available.

JCC Chicago and Growing Hope present this ongoing project that brings to light the human stories of the unique Israelis who stood up against terrorism. The exhibit shows the Israeli DNA at its best and exemplifies the incredible spirit and resilience of the Israeli people.

In speaking about this new project, Kaganovitz shared, “Since the October 7th horrific attack the incitement on the streets and on social media fueled antisemitism and misconceptions about Israel and the Jewish people at large. As an artist and a photojournalist, I feel it’s imperative to fight back against these misconceptions and rising antisemitism by showing the Human side of Israel. From my experience, highlighting the Human elements of Israel can provide a reminder of what Israeli society is all about and what we are actually fighting for.”

Humans of October 7th is the continuation of a body of work that Kaganovitz began after being inspired by Humans of New York in 2012. The first project in his series, Humans of Tel Aviv (presented by JCC Chicago in 2019) illuminated the breadth and vitality of one of Israel’s most diverse and dynamic cities. “I believe that knowledge is a great power for change. The first step towards multiculturalism and respect among different Humans is to get a better understanding of the unique culture and values that every different facet of Humanity holds. By telling the life stories of different Humans from different backgrounds, Humans of Tel Aviv is trying to change (even a little) the way we are all seeing one another.”, Kaganovitz said. The Humans of Tel Aviv project was subsequently followed-up by Humans of Israel, Humans of the Holocaust, and now, Humans of October 7th.

Humans of October 7th is proudly presented by JCC Chicago’s Growing Hope, a movement designed to combat a growing crisis of hopelessness, anxiety, and fear by engaging youth as upstanders in their communities. Rooted in the Jewish spirit of Tikkun Olam (repairing our world), Growing Hope will empower young people to use the tools of empathy, kindness, and creativity in service of building a brighter future for all.

About the Artist:
Photographer, Tel Aviv native, and speaker, Erez Kaganovitz is the human behind the Humans of Tel Aviv, Humans of Israel, Humans of the Holocaust, and Humans of October 7th projects. Through his work, Erez has helped bridge a cultural gap in society both within and outside of Israel. His compelling work brings understanding, emotional connection, and unity to many around the world.

This program is proudly supported by the Israel Engagement Fund: A JCC Association of North America Program Accelerator and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.