New Jersey
New NJ art exhibit from Israel honors young women who fought Hamas
“Heroines of October 7” opened on May 17.
Paramus art exhibit pays tribute to women who fought Hamas on Oct. 7
New exhibit pays tribute to Oct. 7th’s heroines, like women soldiers, police officers and civilians, who fought back against Hamas terrorists in 2023.
The artwork at the newly opened Paramus exhibition is haunting: A painting depicts three figures running as bombs explode around them. Another shows an anguished face and pair of hands pushing something or someone away against a backdrop of fire and blood.
Then there are the portraits of the young women. They were soldiers, police officers and civilians who bravely stood up to terrorists on Israel’s deadliest day, when Hamas stormed the country’s borders on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 more hostage.
It is all part of “Heroines of October 7,” an art exhibition that pays tribute to women who acted with bravery to defend their communities even as they were outgunned and outnumbered.
There are paintings and statues made with embroidery, metal and wood. Among them is a piece portraying six of the kidnapped women. Another is a life-size sculpture of a female soldier holding flowers. The exhibit runs through May 29 at the Paramus headquarters of Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. The exhibit is open to the public, but reservations must be made in advance.
While other traveling exhibitions reflect on that day and memorialize the victims, this is the sole homage to women who helped save their colleagues and communities, said organizers.
This exhibit was the brainchild of curator and historian Yael Nitzan, who is also the founder of a museum in Haifa devoted to Israeli women, which will open next year. Nitzan said she wanted to create a space where the women who did extraordinary deeds that day could be honored.
“It’s very special to have them altogether in one exhibit,” she said. “I want everyone to know about them. It’s very inspiring.”
The Paramus event marks the American debut of this exhibit, which has been showcased in several Israeli cities. The installation highlights 50 women, “but we are hearing about new stories every day and we’re adding to it all the time,” Nitzan said.
Many of the visitors who came from around North Jersey to browse the installation at its May 17 opening were clearly moved.
“What strikes me is the age of these girls,” Laurie Bader of Englewood said as she examined the stories of the young women that accompanied their portraits. “A lot of them were just kids … it’s heartbreaking to learn about what they went through, sacrificing their lives in such a tragic way. They fought heroically to protect others.”
Nina Kampler of Teaneck stopped short when she reached a rocket that had been colorfully painted with the image of a young woman. “This is strikingly different than the other pieces,” she said. “It makes it all very real and makes you realize you aren’t just seeing pictures, but people who were killed. It contextualizes everything. This was a real rocket and a brutal attack designed to kill.”
The exhibit came about after Jason Shames, CEO of Jewish Federation, saw it in Nahariya, the federation’s sister city in northern Israel, and was so moved he opted to bring it to New Jersey.
“It’s a powerful tribute to the extraordinary courage of women” who “stood on the front lines of danger — protecting others, safeguarding Israel and, in many cases, making the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
Zehava Ben Simon flew in from Israel to speak to the crowd about her daughter, Adar Ben Simon, whose image was included in the exhibit. Adar was a 20-year-old platoon leader who ordered her trainees on the base to seek shelter while she ran to the front lines to fight the invaders. She was ultimately killed by the terrorists, but she succeeded in saving the lives of 120 young people.
Her story is more than a war story, Ben Simon said. “It’s a story of her love for her people,” she said.
Eyal Eshel, the father of Sgt. Roni Eshel, who was also featured in the exhibit, spoke to the crowd as well. Roni, 19, was a surveillance observer on duty in the operations room in southern Israel when the attack began, he said.
She was among the first observers to “identify the terrorists crossing into Israel” that morning. “She warned everyone” he said. “She shouted. She tried to save lives until the very last moment. She remained at her post for hours that day, providing data to help direct forces.”
Roni was burned alive by Hamas inside the command room, along with 16 other girls, her father said.
“These young women were not political, they were not famous leaders, they were daughter, sisters, friends, young women with dreams, plans and a future that should have been waiting for them. Yet in their final moments they showed unimaginable courage,” Eyal Eshel said.
The exhibition is not only about tragedy, he said. “It’s about heroism. It’s about memory. It is about our responsibility in Israel, in America and everywhere to make sure these voices are never forgotten.”
New Jersey is following the footsteps of New York City ahead of the world’s biggest sport event.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced that 770 free tickets will be available for New Jersey communities to FIFA World Cup events at New York / New Jersey Stadium.
Sherrill along with USMNT legend, the former pro player and New Jersey native Tony Meola, made the announcement Tuesday .
“We are excited to welcome the world to the Garden State for the World Cup starting this week and to be at the very center of the festivities, but we want the experience, first and foremost, to be accessible and affordable for as many New Jerseyans as possible,” Sherrill said in a statement, adding that the free tickets are “a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend these matches.”
The free tickets was a joint effort over the past few weeks between the Governor’s Office, the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee, Uber, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Choose New Jersey to make sure that New Jerseyans had access to matches. Sherrill noted that the tickets are at no cost to taxpayers.
The 770 tickets are at no cost to Jersey taxpayers and will be distributed across five Group Stage matches and two Knockout Round matches hosted at the New York New Jersey Stadium — formerly known as MetLife Stadium — in East Rutherford.
The tickets were obtained by the Host Committee and will be distributed to community groups via Choose New Jersey.
“Over the past few weeks, we have worked closely with Governor Sherrill and corporate partners to secure additional tickets for the people of New Jersey,” Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York New Jersey Host Committee, said in a statement. “I’d like to thank the Governor for her leadership in ensuring that hundreds of New Jersey residents have the incredible opportunity to take part in this once-in-generation moment.”
According to the governor’s office, 500 free tickets will be given to New Jersey residents, including:
- New Jersey Youth Soccer players from underserved communities across the state;
- Families of New Jersey National Guard service members currently deployed overseas;
- Hackensack Meridian Health patients in the Make-A-Wish program; and
- Bergen County first responders helping support World Cup operations.
Additionally, 200 tickets will be given to:
- Frontline nurses and health care team members who serve New Jersey communities every day; and
- Pediatric patients, including children facing serious illnesses and their families.
Sherrill’s announcement comes mere weeks after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced 1,000 tickets will become available at $50 apiece as part of a lottery.
“To put that into perspective, that is five lattes in New York City,” Mamdani quipped from a bar in Harlem’s Little Senegal neighborhood alongside U.S. men’s national team forward Timothy Weah.
New Jersey
Sherrill, FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee Chief Executive Officer Alex Lasry Announce Over 750 Free Tickets for New Jerseyans for FIFA World Cup Matches – Insider NJ
The announcement was made at Hackensack University Medical Center, the Official Hometown Hospital of the NYNJ Host Committee. Governor Sherrill, U.S. Men’s National Team legend and New Jersey native Tony Meola, NYNJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry, Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert C. Garrett, Choose New Jersey CEO Amy Herbold, and representatives from Uber also unveiled a large-scale FIFA World Cup 2026™ mural commemorating the eight matches taking place in the New York New Jersey region, including the Final. The mural, displayed across from Hackensack University Medical Center’s Helena Theurer Pavilion, was created by Richard Tu, artist of the official New York New Jersey FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host City Poster.
“We are excited to welcome the world to the Garden State for the World Cup starting this week and to be at the very center of the festivities, but we want the experience, first and foremost, to be accessible and affordable for as many New Jerseyans as possible,” said New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill. “I’d like to thank the Host Committee, Uber, and Hackensack Meridian Health for providing over 750 free tickets to New Jerseyans who deserve a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend these matches. I will always fight to ensure that no New Jerseyan is left behind.”
“Over the past few weeks, we have worked closely with Governor Sherrill and corporate partners to secure additional tickets for the people of New Jersey,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York New Jersey Host Committee. “I’d like to thank the Governor for her leadership in ensuring that hundreds of New Jersey residents have the incredible opportunity to take part in this once-in-generation moment. And I’d like to thank Uber and Hackensack Meridian Health for stepping up to help us deliver these tickets. Working together through a public-private partnership, we are ensuring that the benefits of the World Cup flow to every corner of our region.”
“New Jersey will be at the center of the world’s biggest sporting event, and Uber is proud to partner with Governor Sherrill, the NYNJ Host Committee, and Choose New Jersey to help make sure more residents can be part of this once-in-a-generation moment,” said Adam Blinick, Heads of U.S. & Canada Public Policy and Communications at Uber. “These tickets will give families, young soccer players, service members’ loved ones, first responders, and patients the chance to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 firsthand — and we’re grateful to help open that door for communities across the Garden State.”
“Hackensack Meridian Health is proud to support Governor Sherrill, New Jersey and the NYNJ Host Committee in bringing the excitement of the World Cup to fans, including some of our patients and team members,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “As the closest Level 1 trauma center to the stadium, our team members have been actively preparing to support the complex medical and safety operations for an event of this magnitude. Their expertise is the foundation of our medical readiness, and their compassion will ensure our communities and visitors are safe and cared for. We are proud to celebrate their commitment by providing them with an opportunity to enjoy the World Cup in person.”
“Our doors are open, and our teams are ready,” said Lisa Tank, M.D., President and Chief Hospital Executive of Hackensack University Medical Center. “As an ACS verified Level 1 trauma center and one of the nation’s busiest emergency departments, the teams are always response and emergency preparedness ready. On an ongoing basis the team is running drills, and looking at staffing and available interpreter services — to ensure that every World Cup visitor receives the high level expertise focused on safety, quality and compassionate care that all are communities receive. It is a privilege to share the joy of the World Cup with our patients and team members.”
“I’d like to thank Governor Sherrill for her leadership in ensuring that the benefits of the World Cup benefit our residents,” said Amy Herbold, President and CEO, Choose New Jersey. “Choose New Jersey is honored to partner with the Governor, the NYNJ Host Committee, and Uber to help distribute 500 free tickets to community groups throughout our state. These efforts will give New Jersey fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a match and take in all the World Cup has to offer.”
Today’s announcement reflects a collaborative effort over the past few weeks between the Governor’s Office, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee, Uber, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Choose New Jersey to ensure that New Jerseyans have access to the matches – at no cost to taxpayers. The announcement follows $3.6 million in funding that the Host Committee is providing the Sherrill Administration to support transportation costs associated with the World Cup.
The 770 tickets announced today will be distributed across five Group Stage matches and two Knockout Round matches hosted at New York New Jersey Stadium, ensuring that the benefits of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ reach communities across New Jersey. The tickets were secured by the Host Committee and will be distributed to community groups via Choose New Jersey.
As New Jersey prepares to welcome the world, this initiative helps ensure that the people who serve our communities, inspire our future generations, and represent the very best of the state have the opportunity to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026™ firsthand.
Supporting New Jersey Families and Communities
Through a collaboration between the Governor’s Office, the NYNJ Host Committee, Uber, and Choose New Jersey, 500 tickets will be distributed to New Jersey residents, including:
MAPLE SHADE, N.J. (WPVI) — The Philadelphia skyline and several landmarks were lit up in blue Monday night to support a 12-year-old boy from South Jersey who remains in critical condition after a baseball injury.
Buildings across the city – including sites in the sports complex and the Ben Franklin Bridge – glowed blue in honor of Xavier Taylor, who was struck in the neck by a baseball during pregame warmups with Maple Shade Youth Baseball last month.
RELATED | Ben Franklin Bridge lights up in honor of 12-year-old baseball player critically hurt before game
The show of support has spread far beyond Philadelphia.
Residents across the region and around the country have worn Xavier’s No. 6 jersey, placed baseball bats outside their homes, and lit blue porch lights to stand in solidarity with the young athlete.
The boy’s father says there are signs of progress. Xavier is no longer on blood pressure medication, his vital signs are stable, and he is receiving nutritional care.
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