EVENTS
Finding Faith in the Terror Tunnels of Gaza
Over 600 Attend Community Gathering to Hear Released Hostages Share Their Story
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On November 9th, more than 600 people came together at the Egyptian Theatre in downtown Boise for an unforgettable community-wide event to hear firsthand from released hostages Sapir Cohen and Sasha Troufanov, who courageously shared how they survived captivity in Gaza.
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It was a beautiful and moving evening—filled with stories of faith and resilience, heartfelt music, meaningful gifts, prayer, and an outpouring of love. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended and helped make this night truly memorable.
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Together, we stand united in hope, strength, and love—for Israel, and for our community here in Idaho.
Rabbi Lipshitz of Chabad Jewish Center and Pastor Dave McGarrah of Deer Flat Church facilitated the discussion and Q&A with Sapir and Sasha.
Sapir and Sasha were taken hostage from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. While they had been a couple prior to their kidnapping, each was unaware that the other was still alive in captivity. Sapir was freed after 55 days and Sasha endured 498 days in the terror tunnels of Gaza and experienced unimaginable darkness.
In July 2025, the two announced their engagement, transforming their unimaginable trauma into a powerful joint story of survival, resilience, love, and advocacy for all hostages.
In this rare and intimate conversation, Sapir and Sasha shared first hand how through their new found faith, they clung to hope and purpose and unshakable resilience.
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We acknowledge the support of JCC Association and MODA
ONGOING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Upcoming JCC of Idaho Events
As we continue to grow, your input is guiding the types of events we prioritize. Here are some of the ideas you’ve shared so far:
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Monthly Series: Roots and Routes -- Get to know our community. Exciting and meaningful stories of our community Israelis and others!
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Monthly gatherings and workshops centered on our three pillars: Jewish Culture, Israel, and Jewish Holidays, focused on Jewish life and traditions
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Mitzvah projects such as supporting food pantries, visiting the sick, offering Jewish/Israeli folk dancing at senior/rehab centers, delivering meals, delivering flowers, and assisting with home projects
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Idaho to Israel trip planning
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Collaborative programs with our friends and/or partners, including Idaho 4 Israel, Idaho Israel Alliance, Chabad Jewish Center, Master Minded Ministries, CABI, and our Israeli neighbors
We'd love to hear from you! Please let us know which of these ideas resonate with you -- or share your own suggestions here.
Weekly Dance Classes
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Mondays from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. join Rikud B'Sasson (Dancing with Joy) dance group to learn traditional Israeli dance. Classes are designed for beginners and intermediate dancers. Contact us at info@jccidaho.org for more info.​​​
Conversational Hebrew
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Conversational Hebrew takes place online anytime, helping you learn and practice everyday spoken Hebrew with native speakers and other language learners. Monthly meet ups create friendships and improve skills. Contact us at info@jccidaho.org for more info.
