Tribute videos shed light on victims’ life stories

Born in Israel and raised in South Africa before returning to live in the Jewish state, clinical psychologist Lihie Gilhar says that in the wake of 7 October, “I was in a place of utter disbelief, searching for a way to make sense of the unimaginable.”

This led her to create a project called “Bring Them Light”, where she makes videos about every victim of 7 October that are then posted on social media. In addition, she created a monument that was unveiled at the Habima Theatre complex in Tel Aviv on 5 October, with a lightbulb for each victim, symbolising their everlasting light.

“I recall seeing the videos of Naama Levy and Shani Louk, and I just couldn’t accept that this would be their legacy, that this is how the world would remember them,” Gilhar says from her home in Tel Aviv. “As time passed, it became clear to me that while attention had rightfully shifted to the war and the soldiers, the victims were being lost. I couldn’t bear to allow such a tragedy to fade into the background. This project was my way of ensuring that those who were brutally murdered are remembered, their light shining through the darkness of these events.”

The idea to create tribute videos came after Gilhar received approval to create a memorial monument at the Habima Theatre complex. “I started researching each individual, but as I gathered names, I realised that simply attaching a name wasn’t enough. I found myself searching for photos, stories, anything to breathe life into these memories, but the initial video I created felt flat and lifeless. It was then that I knew that I had to do more.”

She decided to reach out personally to every family. “I wanted to hear their stories, receive photos and videos, and allow them to tell me about their loved ones in their own words. My goal was to create a true life story for each individual so people could get to know them as they really were, beyond just a name.”

The creation of each video begins with families sharing photos and videos with Gilhar. “I then conduct a personal phone interview, where I ask them to tell me everything they want the world to know about their loved one. In some cases, the pain is too overwhelming for parents, so I often speak to siblings. After the interview, I transcribe the conversation, translate it into English as it’s very important the stories spread around the world, and carefully craft their story from those heartfelt words.”

Once the story is written, a video is created. Assisted by South African olah Carrie Sandler Elbaz, “we match the text with images and videos that capture each chapter of their life, ensuring that the visuals align with their personal journey. The music is also deeply meaningful, as we use songs they loved. It’s then sent to the family for feedback. Once we have their approval, the video is finalised and uploaded.

“This meticulous process ensures that each tribute isn’t just a video, but a deeply authentic reflection of their life. It allows their story to be told in a way that honours their memory and gives families a lasting legacy to share with the world.”

Bringing the lightbulb monument to life was “perhaps the most challenging part of this journey, even more so than creating the emotional videos”, says Gilhar. “It required funding, logistics, and navigating obstacles. I had never undertaken something like this before, and it was daunting. I was given a specific target by the person constructing it, and the pressure to meet that goal was immense. Despite the difficulties, I pushed through. I still struggle to find the words to express what it feels like to see it become a reality.”

Gilhar spent her early years in South Africa, immigrating with her parents when she was two. At 19, she returned to Israel. She later spent more time in South Africa studying. “I eventually left South Africa due to concerns about crime, and haven’t returned in 17 years, though my family remains there,” she says.

“We are still in the process of collecting donations to continue sharing these crucial stories as all the work has been voluntary. We’re working to secure funding to establish the monument as a permanent installation.” To support the project, Gilhar urges us “to help spread awareness globally”. She hopes this could help bring the monument to South Africa. “Furthermore, we’re seeking financial support to sustain our efforts. Together, we can ensure that the victims’ legacies are shared with as many people as possible.”

Sandler Elbaz, who made aliya from Johannesburg, says, “I chose to help because I feel it’s crucial to memorialise these lives in a way that offers comfort to their families and preserves their memories for future generations.”

Her main contribution has been creating the tribute videos, “which takes a significant amount of time and effort as I strive to condense the essence of their lives into five or six-minute videos. It can be emotionally difficult to read about their lives and learn who they were, as I work to portray their stories respectfully and meaningfully. Additionally, I’m building the website for the project, which will serve as a central hub for all the tributes.”

The most rewarding aspect of the project has been the messages Gilhar has received from families expressing gratitude. “Knowing that we have honoured their memories in such a meaningful way is profoundly fulfilling and validates the effort we’ve put into this endeavour,” she says.

Meanwhile she continues to work as a psychologist, including treating soldiers. “A common thread in my sessions is disbelief. In Israel, there’s a prevailing notion of resilience that often leads people to suppress harsh realities. Pervasive uncertainty and pain are palpable. There’s a constant sense of shock and lack of control.”

The Instagram account where Gilhar posts the tribute videos has received a lot of hate, which she carefully monitors. For example, one recent comment said, “October 7th was fully justified.”

“I struggle to comprehend the extent of hatred we are facing,” she says. “We haven’t fully processed our losses because we are preoccupied with defending our existence. My recommendation is to unite. It’s through solidarity that we can tap into our collective strength.

“I began this journey not realising how profoundly it would change me,” Gilhar says. “These past months have been some of the most challenging of my life. Every spare moment is dedicated to trying to capture the essence of these extraordinary souls.

“This project became my life’s work. I gave it every part of me. There were moments when I was pushed to the edge, but what kept me going were the stories of these beautiful people, ensuring that their families knew they weren’t forgotten. Now, seeing these lights shine, I cannot find the words to describe what it means to me. This project was born out of love, and it’s that love that has carried me through.”