From Remembrance to Reflection: NKU Chase JILSA Students Commemorate October 7
On October 7, 2026, the Jewish and Israeli Law Students’ Association (JILSA) at Northern Kentucky University’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law gathered to remember, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversation on the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and its people.
In collaboration with StandWithUs, through JILSA Secretary Rachel Spivak’s Emerson Fellowship, the remembrance tabling invited students, faculty, and members of the local Jewish community to participate in Stickers of Meaning, an initiative encouraging reflection on values embodied by those lost on October 7 and in the ensuing war: kindness, courage, gratitude, and resilience.
Stickers of Meaning draws from a tradition that has emerged in Israel of honoring those lost through commemorative stickers, often featuring their photographs, names, and personal details. These small yet powerful tributes serve as reminders of the humans behind the headlines and the values they led with.
Rather than focusing solely on the tragedy and pain this day continues to evoke in Jewish communities worldwide, JILSA wanted to encourage participants to consider how remembrance can inspire meaningful action. Students selected stickers reflecting values that resonated with them, learned about those affected by October 7, and engaged in conversations about remembrance, solidarity, and carrying forward the light of those lost.
The display also featured artwork by Druze Israeli artist Bothaina Halabi, whose work depicts the events and aftermath of October 7. Her work offers a powerful way to connect with the stories, experiences, and people behind the tragedy, while also highlighting the diversity, unity, and strength of Israeli society, dimensions often overlooked in conversations surrounding Israel and the long-term conflict in the region.
Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of the event was the engagement of non-Jewish student allies, many of whom had limited prior knowledge of October 7 and its profound impact on the Jewish people.
At a law school of more than 450 students, where the Jewish student population can be counted on one hand, building a strong community requires coalition-building, persistence, and a willingness to show up. It also means creating a lasting foundation so future Jewish and Israeli law students know they have a place at NKU.
At a time when Jewish students nationwide continue to navigate challenging conversations surrounding Israel and Jewish identity, JILSA remains committed to fostering education, meaningful dialogue, and a visible Jewish presence.
This commitment extends beyond campus and even across state lines. The event received support from Chabad at the University of Cincinnati, demonstrating the importance of continuing to build and strengthen relationships among neighboring Jewish communities on both sides of the Ohio River.
Ultimately, this commemoration was a reminder that community is built not only through shared identity, but through showing up for one another. In moments when the world feels increasingly divided, and being openly and proudly Jewish in America can feel increasingly dangerous, finding strength in our neighbors, our allies, and one another becomes more vital than ever.
