October 7th: Voices of Loss

Doors Open at 4:30pm | Program Begins at 5:00pm | Discussion to Follow

A moving evening of remembrance and resilience as we mark the anniversary of October 7. The program will feature a Maryland premier screening of Not in Our School, a powerful short film created by a group of bereaved mothers at the Ma’aleh School of Film and Television in Jerusalem.

The screening will be followed by an intimate discussion with three special guests: Chana Leiter, one of the bereaved mothers, Sarah Leiter, the sister of the fallen soldier, and Katie Green, the Coordinator of Ma’aleh’s film program. Together, they will reflect on the process of transforming grief into art, the importance of remembrance, and the ongoing fight against hatred.

This event invites the community to witness, to listen, and to stand in solidarity with the families forever changed by October 7.

About the Film

Following the outbreak of Operation Iron Swords, Ma’aleh established two unique video therapy groups—one for bereaved grandparents and another for bereaved mothers who lost their children, whether soldiers or young civilians killed at the Nova festival. Not in Our School, born from the mothers’ group, tells their stories with raw honesty and deep humanity. Premiered in January 2025 at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, the film is a testament to the enduring strength of those who carry unimaginable loss. View Film Trailer >

About the Speakers

Katie Green holds an honors diploma in journalism from the London School of Journalism, a diploma in directing and editing from the Maaleh Film School and a masters degree in creative writing from Bar Ilan University. Katie is head of the festivals and distribution department at Maaleh Film School, where she is also a lecturer and presenter to visiting groups. She has the honor of distributing Maaleh student films for screening at festivals and events all over the world.

Chana Leiter | Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois as Chana Weiss, I naturally came on Aliya immediately after high school as my love for Israel was embedded in me from a young age. I studied higher Jewish learning at a seminary and went on to nursing school. I last worked in rehab in Hadassah Mount Scopus – also during the present war. I also have a masters degree from Ariel University in Jewish history and philosophy. That was after completing the Israel trail. We were blessed with eight wonderful children, hence many years I was a full time “Mom.” Our seventh child is a special needs person presently residing in Gush Etsion in the Gvaots sadnat shiluv. Moshe Yedidya was our first born, and a sort of father figure for his younger siblings. I believe that having a special needs brother only added to his already sensitive character, thus building a unique soul of strength when needed and sensitivity to all.

Sarah Leiter is a certified midwife with extensive experience at Laniado Hospital in Israel, where she served until 2023. Currently residing in Potomac, Maryland, she has temporarily relocated to the United States as part of her family’s military commitment, while her husband, a commander of the prestigious Shaked Battalion in the Givati Brigade, undergoes specialized training with the U.S. Marines at Quantico. Originally from Havat Yair near Ariel in Israel, Sarah balances her professional background in healthcare with her role as a mother to three young children. Her unique perspective bridges Israeli and American military family experiences, offering valuable insights into cross-cultural adaptation and resilience. Sarah also brings a powerful personal narrative to her presentations, having experienced profound loss during recent conflicts. She eloquently shares her journey of grief and healing, providing audiences with moving reflections on family, service, and perseverance during challenging times.