Israeli Bereaved Families Run Chicago Marathon to Honor Loved Ones
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Fifty-seven Israeli bereaved family members and terror victims ran in the Chicago Marathon as part of an initiative by the "One Family" organization. The runners trained for months in Israel, including at sites significant to their loss, before competing in the event. The marathon offered a platform to honor lost loved ones, process grief, and find hope for the future.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- 57 Israeli bereaved family members and terror victims ran in the Chicago Marathon.
- The delegation was organized by the "One Family" organization.
- Participants ran to honor lost loved ones and cope with grief.
- Some runners attended memorial services on October 7th before flying to Chicago.
- Training included runs at significant sites like the Sbarro bombing location and Re'im Forest.
- Sports brand HOKA provided equipment and support to the delegation.
A special delegation of 57 Israeli runners, all bereaved families and terror victims, participated in the recent Chicago Marathon, one of the world's largest running events. The group, organized by the "One Family" organization, included parents who lost children, siblings, and spouses.
For the participants, running the marathon was more than a physical challenge; it was an opportunity to memorialize their loved ones, process their grief, and find strength to move forward. The timing of the trip was particularly poignant, with some members having attended memorial services for their relatives on October 7th, just hours before boarding their flight.
Months of training preceded the marathon, including runs at significant locations in Israel. One such run, the "Chai Run" of 18 kilometers in Jerusalem, passed by Mount Herzl and the site of the Sbarro restaurant bombing, which led to the founding of "One Family" over two decades ago. Another training run took place in the Re'im Forest, near the site of the Nova music festival.
These preparatory runs served not only as physical training but also as a space for shared experiences and confronting memories. The sports brand HOKA, through the Wishuz chain, supported the delegation by providing running shoes, apparel, and professional equipment.
"One Family" aims to strengthen participants and aid their coping process through such collective activities. For the 57 runners, crossing the finish line in Chicago marked the culmination of months of preparation, training, and shared moments, all united by the goal of running in memory of those lost and finding hope amidst pain.