🕊️ The Redefining Freedom Center of Virginia Remembers
🇮🇱 October 7, 2025 | From Tragedy to Bridge-Building
Launching the "Bridges to Peace" Project — Israel Partnership
“This morning, I awakened to international coverage of the horror that unfolded on October 7, 2023. Scrolling through the images of murdered babies, families, the elderly, and young people just beginning their lives was shattering. I watched the documentary Red Alert on Paramount Plus, which captured the real-time terror of that day — and my heart was shaken to the core.
Yet, even in the face of such evil, I remain in awe of the resilience and moral courage of the victims’ families, who have transformed their grief into purposeful action. Their light in the darkness reminds us that goodness endures.
At the Redefining Freedom Center, we join them in vowing that such horror must never happen again — anywhere on this earth. That is why we have been quietly building our Bridges to Peace Project: to confront hate, combat antisemitism, and work for peace through truth and partnership.”
— Sophia A. Nelson, Esq.
Founder & CEO, The Redefining Freedom Center of Virginia
Remembrance Statement — October 7, 2023 (Second Anniversary)
On October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out an appalling and calculated campaign of terror against civilians in southern Israel — the deadliest attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust. Hundreds of innocent men, women, and children were murdered, and many more were wounded, in an act of evil that must be named plainly and condemned without equivocation.
Today, we remember the lives taken and the families shattered by that atrocity. We also solemnly remember the hostages who were taken that day and who — two years later — have not all returned. As of this anniversary, forty-eight hostages remain in captivity. Their continued suffering is an urgent moral wound.
We affirm three unambiguous principles
Evil must be called by its name.
Terror is terror. There is no negotiating with those who use mass murder and kidnapping as policy. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we recommit to the founding principle that liberty must be defended. The protection of innocent life is a core American value, and it compels us to oppose terror in every form.We bear witness to the humanitarian crisis.
The war that followed the attacks of October 7 has left a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with massive loss of life and widespread suffering. We see the children and civilians caught in this devastation, and we are committed to supporting recognized, neutral humanitarian organizations that deliver food, medical care, and emergency relief to those in need. Humanitarian concern does not excuse or obscure the original act of terror; it demands urgent, principled relief for all innocent victims.We will build bridges — firmly and practically.
Over the past six months, we have been developing our first policy initiative, the RFC Bridges to Peace Project, focused on combating antisemitism in the United States — on college campuses, in corporations, and across communities — while convening diverse journalist roundtables that will travel to Israel and the region. These delegations will report in an unbiased, non-partisan manner on conditions on the ground and on what will be required to create a lasting peace once the hostages are returned and Hamas is rejected by the civilized world. Our work centers on prevention of hate, education, and practical partnership-building to repair trust across communities.
We also affirm our support for diplomatic efforts that seek a durable peace and for any credible plan that secures the immediate return of hostages, protects civilians, and dismantles terrorist infrastructure. We support efforts by global leaders to convene a serious peace process — provided it is rooted in justice, security, and a rejection of terror as a bargaining tool. But let us be crystal clear: you cannot — and should not — negotiate with terror as policy. Terror must be confronted and stood down.
Building Bridges Across Colleges, Communities & Corporations
Colleges & Universities
Partnering with U.S. and Israeli institutions to promote civic dialogue, cultural exchange, and historical literacy — particularly connecting HBCUs, faith-based universities, and journalism schools with Israel’s democracy and innovation sectors.
Communities of Faith & Culture
Through joint forums, interfaith dialogues, and storytelling projects, the Bridges to Peace Project will connect African American communities and Israel — exploring shared histories of resilience, survival, and hope.
Corporations & Civic Leaders
We will engage corporate partners and socially responsible companies to spotlight Israel’s leadership in technology, innovation, and inclusion — linking these efforts to democratic values and shared prosperity.
🇮🇱 Strategic Collaboration with the Embassy of Israel
This initiative is being developed in close partnership with the Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C., and its dynamic Public Affairs team led by Sawsan Hasson. Together, we have identified key areas of collaboration:
Strategic Media Engagement: Proactively shaping narratives about Israel’s diversity, thriving democracy, and humanity.
Community Partnerships: Connecting Israel’s story to African American and broader U.S. audiences through journalists, faith networks, and cultural leaders.
Collaborative Opportunities: Participation in the Christian Media Summit this November, university partnerships, and a planned 2026 delegation of African American journalists to Israel to experience the region firsthand.
Looking Ahead
Before the year’s end, I will travel to Israel as the Center’s Founder and CEO to strengthen these ties and deepen our understanding of the region’s challenges and promise. Our goal is not to take sides — but to take responsibility: to build bridges that uphold truth, compassion, and freedom.
This work is made possible by the generosity of a founding donor family, whose support, though anonymous, represents the quiet strength and faith behind this vision.
The Redefining Freedom Center Commits to Act
Provide operational support and fundraising channels for vetted humanitarian organizations delivering food and medical supplies to children and civilians.
Launch the RFC Bridges to Peace Project to partner with universities, corporations, faith leaders, and civic organizations to prevent antisemitism and all forms of hate.
Convene traveling journalist roundtables to promote accurate, non-partisan coverage and explore realistic, durable pathways to peace once the hostages are returned.
In Remembrance and Resolve
We remember. We grieve. We act.
As we remember October 7, 2023, may this day renew our shared commitment to the ideals that unite us — freedom, faith, and the unyielding pursuit of peace.
Sophia A. Nelson, Esq.
Founder & CEO, Redefining Freedom Center of Virginia
Chair, Center for Building Bridges
🌐 www.redefiningfreedomcenterofvirginia.org
#BridgesToPeace #BuildingBridges #RedefiningFreedom #Israel #VA250 #America250 #NeverAgain
