Iris Haim, the woman who has been called “Israel’s New Voice of Hope,” will be the guest speaker at the annual Pauline and Philip Piaker Memorial Lecture, which will be held on Tuesday, October 29, at 7 pm, at the Chabad Center. Haim will speak on “In Light, Not Darkness.” A question-and-answer period and dessert buffet will follow her presentation. There is no charge for this event, but reservations are necessary and can be made online here or by calling Chabad at 607-797-0015. Additional funding for the evening is being supplied by the Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton, the Eisenberg Foundation and the Jewish Family Service. 

“On October 7, 2023, Iris Haim, a loving mother of three children who resided in the Western Negev region of Israel found herself thrust into an unforeseen reality when her son Yotam, aged 28 and a resident of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, was kidnapped to Gaza and held captive,” said organizers of the event. “In the ensuing 70 days until the 15th of December, Iris made a conscious choice to hold onto unwavering faith and hope, believing fervently that Yotam was alive, enduring and receiving care. Opting to perceive the good amidst adversity, her steadfast resolve played a pivotal role in Yotam’s survival and eventual escape from captivity. Tragically, Yotam and two other hostages who had courageously escaped their captives were misidentified by the IDF and shot dead. Even in the face of unimaginable hardship, Iris chose to cultivate faith and positivity.”

Organizers added, “Haim’s talk is a riveting testament to resilience and the power to make positive choices even in the face of devastation. Haim’s singular strength and positive energy, have turned her into an international icon. Dubbed, Israel’s ‘New Voice of Hope,’ Iris has been featured regularly on news outlets and has been crisscrossing the globe with her powerful message.”

“Haim is in great demand and it is an honor that she is carving out time to come to our local community just as soon as she can leave Israel after the many events to mark October 7 in which she will be deeply involved. This is a difficult and challenging time for us all, and Iris’s message of hope and positivity in the face of great adversity is a clear and uplifting clarion call to follow her example in our own lives,” remarked Rivky Slonim. “We are, as always, grateful to the Piaker family that annually honors their parents by bringing quality presenters to our community and grateful, as well, to Shelly Hubal, Federation director, who has joined with us to bring Iris Haim to the community to mark October 7.”

“The essence of Iris’ lecture centers on Yotam’s story of overcoming personal challenges from a young age, as well as the choices she made, especially during Yotam’s final 70 days on earth, as well as the course she has charted for herself since his death,” said organizers. “Her remarks will be accompanied by poignant photos and videos of Yotam’s life.” 

Organizers added, “In her pre-October 7 life, Haim, a nurse with a sub-specialty in palliative care, was deeply involved in supporting families during the end of life processes of their loved ones, with a particular emphasis on dementia.”

“My father, Philip M. Piaker, started this series in memory of my mother, Pauline, who passed away in 1995,” explained Alan Piaker who along with his sister, Susan Kasper, and brother, Matthew, sponsor the event each year. “We have continued this event after the death of our father in 2003. The world has changed since the horrific massacre on October 7, 2023. Iris will share her perspective on the events that have unfolded after that black day. Please join us for what will be a sad but compelling and uplifting talk. It is important for all of us to come together and find as much positive and unifying energy as we can muster. I think Iris is the kind of speaker who can help us do just that.”

“It is an honor to partner with Chabad for what will be a meaningful event,” said Shelley Hubal, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton. “Since October 7, the global Jewish community has been grieving and nobody has suffered more than the families of the hostages and the fallen soldiers. Iris’ message of hope will bring healing to our community. I hope everyone will participate.”