Top right, from left: CEO Lino Covarrubias with Dalia Wassner, PhD, Director, Jews of the Americas at the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, Brandeis University and Jessica Ghitis, Outreach Director, Fuente Latina.
Recently, Jewish Family Service of Metrowest (JFS) participated in a powerful and deeply moving event at Brandeis University: an exclusive screening of *7/10: Testigos del Terror* (10/7: Witnesses of Terror), a groundbreaking documentary chronicling the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023, through the voices of Israel’s Spanish-speaking Latin American community.
Held at the Wasserman Cinematheque at Brandeis University and hosted by JOTA (Jews of the Americas), the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University and Fuente Latina, the event was supported by a remarkable coalition of organizations including ADL, AJC New England, CJP, Israel Policy Forum, JFS of Metrowest and several Brandeis University programs. Together, they brought community members, scholars, advocates, and allies into a shared space for reflection on loss, resilience, and the urgent work of building cross-cultural solidarity.
The documentary, produced by Fuente Latina and the Immigrant Archive Project, is the first to center the experiences of Latin American immigrants caught in the horror of October 7th. As the largest immigrant group attacked that day, their stories illuminate not only the brutality of the massacre but also the rich contributions of Latin American Jews to Israeli society—from the kibbutz movement to community life across the country.
Capturing survivors’ testimonies just days after the attack ensures these voices are preserved, honored, and understood as part of the broader tapestry of Israeli life. Hearing Spanish spoken amid the grief and devastation underscores how profoundly global the impact of that day was.
Following the screening, a panel discussion featured Dr. Dalia Wassner (Director, Jews of the Americas at Brandeis), Jessica Ghitis (Director of Outreach for Fuente Latina and co-executive producer of the film), and CEO of JFS, Lino Covarrubias. Together, the panelists explored the historical and ongoing contributions of Latin American Jews to Israel and the unique moment we face today to deepen partnerships between the Latino, Jewish, and Latino-Jewish communities in the United States.
Their discussion addressed not only the pain of October 7th but also the opportunity—and responsibility—to build alliances grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to standing against hate in all its forms.
As the leader of JFS, Mr. Covarrubias highlighted the agency’s efforts to build strong and trusting relationships with the Latino community in Massachusetts. Latinos represent the fastest-growing cultural group in the country, and in the Metrowest and Greater Boston regions, they are essential to our economic, social, and civic life.
Through refugee resettlement services, legal assistance for asylum seekers, and support for immigrant families, JFS plays a critical role in easing the transition for newcomers and ensuring that families feel seen, supported, and included. This work also demonstrates how a Jewish agency can actively stand with and alongside Latino communities during moments of crisis and beyond.
The evening held particular resonance for Mr. Covarrubias, a first-generation Mexican American who was raised in Southern California’s Imperial Valley, home to many migrant agricultural families. His personal background—and his decades of service both in the U.S. Navy and in the nonprofit sector—deeply inform his commitment to building cross-cultural understanding and solidarity.
The stories shared in *Testigos del Terror* echo those of many families served by JFS: individuals seeking safety, belonging, and a chance to rebuild their lives. Bearing witness to their experiences is an act of respect. Building bridges between communities is an act of hope.
The screening and discussion underscored the importance of continuing to create spaces where Jewish and Latino communities can encounter one another’s histories, share pain and resilience, and strengthen bonds of partnership. JFS is committed to advancing this work—not only through its programs supporting immigrants, refugees, and asylum petitioners but also through community engagement efforts that promote dignity, safety, and opportunity for all.
JFS extends its gratitude to JOTA, Fuente Latina, Brandeis University, and all partner organizations for hosting this meaningful event and for elevating the voices of survivors whose stories must never be forgotten.
Together, we move forward—witnessing, remembering, and building a more just and compassionate world.