A powerful new play, "OCTOBER 7," recounts the horrific terror attacks against Israel through the verbatim accounts of survivors. Irish journalists Phelim McAleer and Ann McElhinney meticulously gathered first-hand experiences to shed light on this devastating day that is often forgotten.
In the aftermath of the October 7 terror attacks in Israel, a gripping play has emerged, bringing to life the harrowing experiences of survivors through their own words. Entitled "OCTOBER 7," the limited-run play opens in New York City, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of this tragic event.
Phelim McAleer and Ann McElhinney, the play's creators, traveled to Israel shortly after the attacks to gather firsthand accounts from those directly affected. They spoke with the wounded, heroic rescue workers, distraught parents, and a police officer who confronted several Hamas terrorists.
The play, a verbatim production, presents the unvarnished words of these witnesses, capturing the raw emotions and harrowing details of the attacks. It serves as a poignant reminder of the October 7 horrors, which would have been quickly overshadowed by the subsequent conflict in Gaza had it not been for the efforts of McAleer and McElhinney.
"There would be no October 8, there would be no war in Gaza, without October 7. We wanted people to realize and not forget what happened," McAleer said.
The timing of the play's opening coincides with escalating anti-Israel protests on college campuses across the United States. McAleer and McElhinney believe that "OCTOBER 7" can provide a valuable perspective for protesters.
"Even though we're trying to bury October 7, the Israel story is not going away, the war is not going away. The controversy is not going away," McAleer said. "But it's a one-sided controversy. Everyone's talking about Palestine and Gaza, but no one's talking about Israel on October 7."
McElhinney added, "No one’s talking about the hostages."
The play sheds light on the often-overlooked fact that American hostages were taken during the attacks. McAleer and McElhinney hope that "OCTOBER 7" will inspire other artists and entertainers to speak out on behalf of Israel.
"Anyone who comes out of the play is affected. People were in tears," McAleer said. "It makes them more resilient."
They hope to bring the play to Broadway and to tour it to universities across the nation, including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, MIT, Columbia, and Penn, where antisemitism has been prevalent.
McAleer and McElhinney are determined to ensure that the story of October 7 is never forgotten. They believe that the play can serve as a powerful educational tool, fostering empathy and understanding for the victims of Hamas's terrorism.
"It’s the only play in New York that is opening under police protection, which is a terrible thing to say in 2024… but that shows you how important these stories are," McAleer said.
The Unreported Story Society, the nonprofit organization behind "OCTOBER 7," has made it their mission to uncover and tell the stories that are often ignored by the mainstream media.
"OCTOBER 7" is a testament to the resilience and humanity of the Israeli people. It is a poignant reminder of a tragic day that should never be forgotten.
Tickets for "OCTOBER 7" can be purchased at October7ThePlay.com.
