I serve as rabbi for a large Orthodox synagogue in Toronto. In a world increasingly defined by division and conflict, it is more important than ever that people of conscience and people of faith come together — not just in grief, but in hope. As we approach the second anniversary of the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023, I want to share a story of solidarity that, for me personally, lights the way forward: Flags of Fellowship.
Flags of Fellowship is a project launched by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) — the leading organization dedicated to fostering unity between Christians and Jews around the world. At a time when polarization and prejudice seem to be tearing people apart, The Fellowship is building bridges: of compassion, of shared values, and of unwavering support for Israel and the Jewish people.
This initiative began as a simple yet powerful idea. In response to the devastating events of October 7, which claimed the lives of over 1,200 innocent people, The Fellowship began distributing 1,200 small Israeli flags to places of worship and community centers — each flag representing a life lost.
Last year, more than 220 churches, synagogues, and organizations across North America joined the effort. These flags were planted on lawns, displayed in lobbies, and set up in public spaces as powerful statements of remembrance and resilience. In my own congregation, we planted them on our front lawn.
Ahead of the event, I must admit our congregation had concerns: Would there be backlash? Would we be targeted? But when the day came, the response was overwhelmingly positive. People stopped to look. They took selfies. They stood in silence among the flags. It became a place not of fear, but of unexpected friendship and true fellowship.
A year later, that message has only grown louder and more vital. Over 1,000 congregations and institutions have signed on to participate in Flags of Fellowship this year, sending a clear message to the world: We remember. We care. We stand together.
But this initiative is not limited to houses of worship. It speaks to all of us.
In the face of rising anti-Semitism and global unrest everywhere we turn, these small flags are more than fabric and poles — they are symbols of life, of moral clarity, and of light pushing back against darkness. They remind us that we are not helpless. That every individual, every family, and every community has a role to play in shaping a more just and compassionate world.
So, as we approach this solemn anniversary, I invite you — whoever you are, wherever you are — to stand for life, stand for light, and stand for Israel. Whether it’s by planting flags, attending a local memorial, sharing a story, engaging in dialogue, or simply pausing to remember — you are part of this story, too.
Let us not allow the memory of October 7 to fade into the noise of the next crisis. Let it be a turning point, and a rallying cry for courage and connection in a time of isolation.
Together, we can remind the world that empathy still matters, that solidarity still inspires, and that we are not as divided as we are often led to believe.
May we be among those who bless, who comfort, and who choose — again and again — to stand in fellowship with one another.
May God bless all those who need His comfort. And may He bless all those who stand for His people, Israel.
Rabbi N. Daniel Korobkin is mara d’asra (senior rabbi) of Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto Congregation and a Board Member for the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews Canada. He received his rabbinic ordination from HaRav Yaakov Ruderman zt”l, of Ner Israel Rabbinic College.
