10/07/2026
As part of our October 7th program, students and faculty had the profound privilege of welcoming Hannie Ricardo, whose daughter Oriya, H"yd, was murdered at the Nova Music Festival.
An Israeli-born musician, educator, historian, and daughter of Holocaust survivors, Hannie has dedicated her life to preserving Jewish musical heritage. Following the loss of Oriya, she composed “Kaddish for Oriya,” a musical tribute honoring her daughter and the many lives lost.
In her moving address, Hannie encouraged us to go beyond remembrance, to share these stories, take action, and remember that October 7th is also a story of courage and resilience. She urged students to embrace life, hold on to hope, and recognize how much they have to offer the world.
At the heart of her message was Oriya’s mantra: “I deserve to be happy.” Hannie encouraged each student to hear those words as a charge to work for happiness, not to accept difficult circumstances as immovable, and instead to carry those words along with a powerful reminder: “The world needs you.” Each one of us can make happiness more possible for ourselves and others, even in the face of tragedy and challenge.
We are deeply grateful to Hannie for sharing her story, her strength, and Oriya’s memory with our school community.
