CHICAGO, IL — The Global Indian Diaspora Foundation (GIDF), hosted a powerful and deeply moving community gathering titled “Choosing Life: From Survival to Resilience.” The event brought together Chicago’s Indian, Jewish, Assyrian, and Christian communities for an evening of testimony, reflection, and solidarity.
The program featured a compelling live testimony by Barak Morag, a survivor of the October 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz. His account of loss, survival, and renewal resonated deeply with attendees, offering a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit.
“This gathering was more than just an event, it was a powerful expression of shared values between the Indian and Jewish communities in Chicago,” said Rakesh Malhotra, President of GIDF. “Both communities carry rich histories rooted in resilience, cultural pride, and a deep emphasis on family, education, and tradition. Bringing these vibrant cultures together created a space for dialogue, understanding, and mutual appreciation.”
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Barak Morag, who grew up in Be’er Sheva and built his life in Kibbutz Nir Oz with his wife and children, shared a deeply personal account of his family’s survival during the October 7 attack. Speaking from a place of hope, he emphasized the conscious choice to rebuild after tragedy. His testimony underscored that resilience is not only about enduring hardship, but also about choosing how to respond and find meaning in its aftermath.
The evening commenced with remarks from Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India in Chicago, who referenced Swami Vivekananda’s historic 1893 address at the Parliament of Religions. He highlighted India’s long-standing tradition of offering refuge and acceptance to persecuted communities, including Jewish populations over centuries, emphasizing that this enduring ethos continues to unite communities today.
Delphine Gamburg, Deputy Consul General of Israel, shared reflections from her visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz with Indian community leaders, describing the devastation witnessed and the importance of global solidarity.
“When our delegation visited Kibbutz Nir Oz and I met Barak for the first time, the destruction and despair were overwhelming,” Gamburg said. “That is why tonight is so important. To the organizers and the Indian community, your support for the people of Israel means more than you realize. You did not turn away. You were present, and that means everything.”
GIDF General Secretary Abhinav Raina expressed gratitude to attendees and reinforced the importance of unity in challenging times.
“In times when the world often feels divided, events like this remind us of what connects us—our shared humanity, heritage, and hope for a more harmonious future,” Raina said. “We are grateful to everyone who stood in solidarity with the people of Israel.”
Community Leaders in Attendance
The evening reflected a remarkable breadth of community solidarity, with distinguished leaders representing diverse faith traditions, civic organizations, and cultural institutions:
Faith Community
Pastor Jim Scudder, Jr., Senior Pastor of Quentin Road Baptist Church, attended along with many members of his congregation, representing the strong Christian community support for Israel and the Jewish people.
Jewish Community
Anna Steinsberg, Karen Gelfand, and Peggy Shapiro from Stand with US represented the Jewish community, their presence a powerful affirmation of cross-community bonds forged in shared purpose.
Assyrian Community
Joseph Tamraz, President of the Assyrian American Civic Club of Chicago, and Sargis Sangari of the United Assyrian Appeal (UAA) brought the voice of the Assyrian community—a people who themselves carry a profound history of survival and displacement—to stand alongside the Jewish community.
Indian Diaspora Leadership
Hemant Patel, President of the Federation of Indian Associations; Amitabh Mittal, General Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad; and Amar Upadhyay of Americans4Hindu represented the breadth and depth of the Indian diaspora’s commitment to standing with communities facing persecution and hardship around the world.
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