Beyond October 7th follows three generations of the Gad family in the aftermath of the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

I had an opportunity to screen the film on October 7 through the Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema‘s virtual screening. It previously premiered in June at the Docaviv International Documentary Film Festival. While the film is barely over an hour long, it is not as graphic as the other October 7 documentaries. This isn’t to say that there are not emotional moments because there definitely are.

When thousands of Hamas terrorists invaded Israel from the Gaza strip on October 7, they raided dozens of communities living in the Gaza envelope in southern Israel. Kibbutz Be’eri had only celebrated its 77th year one day earlier. Like other communities nearby, it would sadly be hit hard: 101 murdered and 31 people taken hostage, including children.

The Gad family descends from founders of Be’eri. Miraculously, they survived: Aliza and Tzahi, their four children and nine grandchildren all survived. The film picks up three days after the Hamas attacks as they recount their experiences. One does not even need to understand Hebrew or read the English subtitles to feel their pain. At this point in time, the death toll was still increasing. People thought to be dead–like Emily Hand–turned out to be taken hostage. Others taken hostage would end up dead. It can be too much to take in at times, even if it is barely over an hour. We watch as the family processes their shock, trauma, and grief. None of this is easy. They all have their own coping methods–filmmakers capture it on camera. Still though, Beyond October 7th captures an important moment in time as a family comes together.

Hamas would release a number of Be’eri residents during the November ceasefire. I do not think I need to remind anyone that the terrorists would break the ceasefire within a matter of days. Anyway, one of the hostages released was Emily Hand. In February, one of her friends interviews her by asking her about what’s the most fun about being home. Even while all this is going on, the Kibbutz has to rebuild. Families have to pack up their belongings prior to rebuilding–having to say goodbye to one’s home can be very emotional. And yet, they don’t have a choice. Will any of them end up moving back? This is a good question. Some are just living in the moment, not making a final decision.

What we do know is that the entire family reunited in Haifa in May 2024. It is their first time together in six months. This is a long time to be apart, especially with the current situation. Even while they were not back home yet, some comment that it feels like home for the time being.

Beyond October 7th is dedicated to the memory of all the Be’eri residents and guests murdered on October 7. May their memories be for a blessing.

DIRECTOR: Jasmine Kainy

Beyond October 7th held its virtual Chicago premiere via the Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema. Grade: 4/5

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