The Center for Jewish History: One Day in October

I attended a viewing of One Day in October at the Center for Jewish History. The Center features an exhibit dedicated to The Paper Brigade, heroes saving the written word at great peril during WWII. The rare books library includes George Salter’s book cover designs, including Karl Marx’s Das Kapital. My philosophies lean de Beauvoir, but appreciative of the collection. The Center for Jewish History is beautiful. And who doesn’t like a little Marx in their evening?

We viewed Episode Four: “Light, My Light,” named after Sabine Taasa’s eldest son, Or, meaning light. Or was killed on October 7th by Hamas terrorists. “Light, My Light,” available now on HBO Max, documents “Sabine Taasa’s world shatter[ing] as her [ex]husband and eldest son are murdered by terrorists. Determined to save her remaining children, Sabine fights with unwavering courage. (HBO Max)

Following the viewing, Sabine sat on a panel moderated by Margarita Lyadova. Also on panel was co-director, Daniel Finkelman, who we met before the viewing, and producer, Chaya Amor, who was gracious in her appreciations for the support of attendees. Sabine Taasa stayed with me most, her courage and story. That morning before the viewing, I watched CNN reports of two Palestinian boys recently killed by drones after the ceasefire. I took this with me into the viewing.

In such a divisive war, where trauma and tragedy and death affects so many families and individuals on both sides, I was moved by the strength, courage and resilience of Sabine Taasa and that of her sons as they survive such trauma and loss of their eldest and the boys’ father, while sharing their story globally. It is inspirational. Sabine Taasa insists her story and that of her sons is a human story, not political.

I wish I could have heard the words of the mother who lost her two sons in Gaza, too. Sabine Taasa’s words of strength and empathy and those of the Palestinian mother we might never hear, together, might offer a dialogue sorely needed in the world.

Rae Cline

Rae Cline is the author of PRECIOUS UGLY, a debut novel (coming August 18, 2026 from 7.13 Books). She is also the author of the short story collection The Indefinite State of Imaginary Morals. Her stories, essays, and prose poetry have appeared in The Paris Review, McSweeney’s, and more. She earned an M.A. in Writing from John Hopkins University and an M.F.A. in Fiction and Creative Nonfiction from American University. A teacher for thirty-five years, she taught writing and literature at the secondary level as well as at her alma maters, the International Writing Program at Iowa State University, and other campuses. She is the founding editor of Eckleburg, where she writes the Openings column, and the founder of the Warm Words Project, a homeless and domestic violence outreach initiative. Born in Ohio, she now splits her time between New York City and the Gulf of Mexico. PRECIOUS UGLY is now available for preorder. Read more at raecline.com.