The Minneapolis Jewish Federation wants people to know Adi Vital-Kaploun’s story isn’t just one of tragedy. It’s one that inspires action, community, and, above all, hope.
Since Adi was murdered in the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel, her story has reached communities worldwide — and in Minnesota.
By telling Adi’s story, the Federation hopes to give people a deeper connection to something happening across the world.
“Even when something happens outside of our zip code, it’s worth us paying attention to and seeing how we can help,” Kara Rosenwald, MJF’s Director of Global Experiences, said. “We can get to know people so that we really feel a connection, no matter the distance.”
Sharing Adi’s story
Adi was murdered on October 7 by Hamas terrorists who broke into her home in Kibbutz Holit, a collective community in Israel. Adi was able to protect her two sons, who survived the attack.
Wanting to keep her memory alive, Adi’s parents — Jacqui and Yaron — went on to share the story of their daughter and her bravery on that day.
Rosenwald says she was moved when she first heard about Adi. That was when MJF knew they would be uniquely able to bring this story to communities in Minnesota.
MJF reached out to Jacqui and began organizing a group trip to Israel. While the organization had brought groups to Israel before, this trip was different.
Those who came on the trip were able to stand in Adi’s home, an experience that moved everyone there, Rosenwald said.
“Standing on the ground at the kibbutz in front of Adi’s home, looking at the toys of her two boys still out on the patio. As a mom, it really gutted me,” Rosenwald said. “Here she was in this scenario that was so horrific and trying to do the best that she could to protect her children.”
Bringing the impact home
MJF, which has adopted the kibbutz to help it rebuild after the October 7 massacre, has since had a chance to bring another group to Israel to see Adi’s home. A third trip is in the works. Still, Rosenwald wanted to share Adi’s story with people who couldn’t make the trip.
That came to fruition this summer when Jacqui and Yaron traveled to Minnesota.
While they were in Minnesota, the two visited small group gatherings, large speaking engagements and even children’s summer camps. But no matter where they spoke, Adi’s story resonated with everyone who listened.
Jacqui in chair on mic: Jacqui and Yaron Vital speak to campers at Herzl Camp with a symbolic yellow ribbon behind them. The yellow ribbon is the symbol being used to represent the hostages, taken on October 7, still being held by Hamas in Gaza.
Anna Latzer, a volunteer with MJF, had the chance to meet Jacqui and Yaron at a group dinner.
“It humanized it. It wasn’t just another story,” Latzer said.
For Latzer and others who were able to speak to Adi’s family, the experience wasn’t just about remembering the tragedy of October 7. It was about honoring who Adi was as a person: a mother, a daughter, an artist and someone who cared deeply about others.
“It’s not just about the sadness,” Latzer said. “There was also a lot of joy.”
Picture of Jacqui with her arm around camper in white shirt: After speaking to groups, Jacqui & Yaron share that they are ok with hugs, many campers waited their turn in line to give a hug of support; after hearing the story they were feeling a special connection to the couple.
Taking action
When people hear about Adi, they often walk away wondering what they can do, Rosenwald said.
Over the past two years, MJF has sent volunteers to Israel to help communities impacted by the ongoing war. The organization has also helped raise money for Adi’s two sons through a t-shirt campaign, as well as nearly $14 million that has gone to rebuilding attacked regions, mental health support, families, and displaced people.
“The philanthropy that’s given locally has an impact all around the world,” Rosenwald said.
For 95 years, MJF has led charitable giving efforts to support the local Jewish community and Jewish communities in 70 countries, as well as for emergencies and natural disasters all over the globe. Ultimately, MJF is about helping people.
Along with providing aid, Rosenwald emphasizes the importance of continuing to share stories of Adi and others like her.
Knowing that the stories stemming from the attack have led to so many people wanting to take action is a source of hope for community members like Latzer.
“There’s that moment of realization that there is another side,” Latzer said. “We need to keep the momentum going not just with the tragedy, but also the joys.”
