Hamas had declared Oct. 13 “Global Day of Jihad” and a “Day of Rage,” but at Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA), it was a day of support, love and community embrace. 

In the wake of recent terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel on Oct. 7, fear loomed over students, parents and staff at HBHA. The aftermath of these attacks saw Hamas issuing a chilling call for a “Global Day of Jihad” on Oct. 13, a calculated psychological operation intended to instill fear in Jewish communities worldwide. The aim was clear: to make Jewish people apprehensive about attending public gatherings, including schools and places of work.

As the date approached, and threatening messages spread through social media, the atmosphere at HBHA was marked by a palpable sense of anxiety. Students and even some teachers grappled with the difficult decision of whether to attend school that Friday. 

In response to this unsettling atmosphere, HBHA turned to the Kansas City community, seeking solidarity and reassurance. Head of School Adam Tilove wrote to his colleagues at the Independent School Association of Kansas City (ISACD) to ask for their support. 

“I don’t mean stand with us in a post on Facebook; I mean literally stand outside at [student] drop-off and be with us,” Tilove wrote. 

Tilove described the distressing situation in Israel and how its reverberations were affecting HBHA’s students, staff and their families. He emphasized the psychological toll it was taking and urged the community to recognize a shared responsibility. 

“If you don’t feel safe or secure standing with us, think about how our fifth-graders feel, and please come anyway,” he wrote.

The community heeded the call. By 7 a.m. on Oct. 13, supporters from around Kansas City began to arrive, and by 7:40 a.m., nearly 40 people, including educators and administrators from nine local schools, clergy members, Jewish professionals and local representatives, congregated in front of HBHA. They stood with signs that read “We stand with you” and “We’re in this together.” 

Students walked into the building that morning with smiles on their faces, and teachers had tears in their eyes. The show of support was a resounding declaration of solidarity with the school and the Jewish community.

“Walking into school today was one of the most powerful things I’ve ever experienced in my whole life,” said Jenny Safir, a fourth-grade teacher at HBHA. “The pride and love I have for this community right now are truly overwhelming.”

While the event on Oct. 13 was initially organized to reassure students and help them feel safer as they entered school, it quickly became evident that its impact extended well beyond the student body. Parents and teachers, too, were moved by the support and unity displayed by the community.

“The outpouring was remarkable. I saw parents crying in cars, I saw our teachers crying. One teacher told me, ‘It was like being given oxygen to breathe.’ Their support meant so much to us all,” Tilove said. 

The solidarity demonstrated at HBHA did not go unnoticed by the media. Local news outlets, including KSHB 41 and KCTV 5 News, covered the remarkable event, amplifying its significance and reach. As the conflict continues to evolve, local media has repeatedly sought insight from HBHA, recognizing it as a prominent voice within the local Jewish community that has numerous direct connections to Israel. 

News of HBHA’s efforts and support also inspired other Jewish schools across the nation to hold similar events, including Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School in St. Louis, Missouri; Krieger Schecter Day School in Baltimore, Maryland; Bornblum Jewish Community School in Memphis, Tennessee; and more.

As the Israel-Hamas War continues, the support of families, students and staff at HBHA on Oct. 13 stands as a meaningful reminder of the impact of community support.