Redefining Freedom Center of Virginia Honors October 7 Victims and Heroes, Reaffirms Commitment to Bridging Divides

Center supports the Embassy of Israel as a partner organization and prepares for the 2027 launch of Bridges to Peace

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va.—The Redefining Freedom Center of Virginia today marks the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel by remembering those murdered, honoring those whose courage saved others, and reaffirming its commitment to human dignity, religious freedom, and bridging divides.

As a partner organization supporting the Embassy of Israel, RFC participated in the Embassy’s October 5 remembrance at Washington Hebrew Congregation in Washington, D.C. Founder and CEO Sophia A. Nelson represented the center at the ceremony, which brought together U.S. and Israeli officials, lawmakers, dignitaries, and community members.

The program combined testimony, prayer, and a multimedia performance by Project Heroes, led by Israeli singer-songwriter Gilad Segev. Through songs, personal images, storytelling, and video, the performance brought the lives, hopes, and courage of those remembered into focus. According to the Embassy, the project seeks to shift the narrative from victimhood toward heroism, honoring individuals who lost their lives while saving others.

Nelson had the opportunity to speak with Gilad during the remembrance. In a subsequent message, he explained the inspiration behind the program:

“The October 7th Heroes program was born from the profound inspiration I drew from the extraordinary acts of heroism on that day, and from the deep conviction that these stories must be told. From that moment on, I felt a mission to share their light with the world.”

“I was struck by their light and simply wanted to reflect it forward, trusting that it would bring healing and empowerment wherever it reached, trusting the light to do its work,” Gilad added.

“Freedom begins with recognizing every person’s right to live, worship, love, and have a future,” Nelson said. “We honor those murdered-on October 7 and those who sacrificed themselves to save others. Their humanity—and our responsibility to one another—must remain at the center of remembrance.”

In remarks shared through the Embassy’s press release, Deputy Chief of Mission Nevo Barchad said, “our enemies cannot and will never destroy our resolve, courage and resourcefulness.” During the ceremony, Barchad also discussed Israel’s humanitarian assistance and urged greater recognition of those efforts.

RFC extends its prayers to Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter and his family. The center remembers his son Moshe Yedidya, killed while serving in Gaza in November 2023, and joins those praying for the recovery of his son Neriyah, critically wounded in a September 23 attack.

“Our hearts are with Ambassador Leiter, Neriyah, and their entire family,” Nelson said. “We hold them in prayer during this deeply painful time.”

RFC’s support for Israel and its commitment to humanitarian care for innocent civilians in Gaza reflect the same guiding principle: every human life has dignity. The center condemns terrorism, antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and the dehumanization of any community.

These commitments guide preparations for the 2027 launch of Bridges to Peace, an initiative intended to foster dialogue, build relationships, and encourage cooperation across communities.

“Bridging divides requires compassion, responsibility, and accountability,” Nelson said. “It means recognizing people beyond labels, acknowledging harm, and finding practical ways to work together. Through Bridges to Peace, we want to help turn those principles into meaningful engagement.”

The center welcomes prospective partners and supporters interested in advancing this work. Contributions support RFC’s mission and programs.

For information or to support the center, visit www.redefiningfreedomcenterofvirginia.org.

About the Redefining Freedom Center of Virginia

The Redefining Freedom Center of Virginia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Sophia A. Nelson. Guided by its commitment to “Bridging Divides and Renewing the American Promise,” RFC advances civic engagement, community service, and respect for human dignity.