FAMILY STORIES
From France, to Queensland

Recently at our Chabad House, two families from Bordeaux, France, walked through our doors.
They had no idea the other would be here.
One family now lives in Israel.

They came to honor the memory of their son, Avidan Gamliel Torgeman, who was murdered on October 7th by Hamas at the Nova music festival.

Avidan was just 26. He had helped build the stage for the event. During the attack, he and his childhood friends hid under that same stage—where they were all killed.

His parents, Michael and Monique, described him as joyful, helpful, and deeply devoted to his six siblings and many nieces and nephews.

Just before the Shabbat meal, something unexpected happened.

Another family arrived—also from Bordeaux. They recognized each other immediately. Their families had been close years ago in France but had lost touch.

Here, in our Chabad House, they embraced for the first time in years. There were tears, laughter, and the comfort of familiar faces.

Then they noticed something on the bimah cover. Embroidered inside the shule were the names of souls lost on October 7th—including Avidan’s.

They were stunned—and moved—to see his name honored like that, alive in our sacred space.

Later, during the Dvar Torah, we said a special prayer for Avidan.

The room fell silent. Everyone felt it.