Following the third anniversary of October 7, Buffalo Jewish Federation is proud to cast a spotlight on Board member and professional artist Sonia Gellman Young, whose most recent international collaborative project is contributing to healing and resilience in Israel.
For Sonia, an Israeli soldier’s retired helmet became more than a canvas. It became an opportunity to transform grief into healing, honor those who have served, and connect Jewish communities across continents.
Sonia is among approximately 100 artists selected to contribute to Helmets 4 Chayalim, an Israeli initiative that transforms retired military helmets into works of art. Proceeds help purchase modern protective equipment for Israeli soldiers.
Sonia became involved while visiting Israel for a friend’s wedding. After learning about the project, she connected with founder Seagal Hagege, who personally delivered a helmet for Young to bring home and transform.
The finished artwork carries a special dedication: in loving memory of Adar Ross, a Buffalo native who served as a lone soldier in Israel.
Getting the helmet back to Israel in time for a special exhibition commemorating October 7 became its own remarkable story. Through social media and the generosity of strangers, it traveled from Florida to New York City and ultimately Israel, arriving in time for a major show and fundraising event at Nefesh B’Nefesh headquarters.
“These were people that I had never met before, but they cared that much to get this artwork to an exhibit in Israel,” Sonia said.
For Sonia, a professional artist and art educator who attended art school at Pratt Institute, and later at the University at Buffalo, the project reflects a deeply personal response to October 7.
“Everyone tried to do something with their skillset to help,” she said. “And I feel that this is the way that I can help.”
Sonia’s contribution is both artistic expression and an act of Jewish solidarity, transforming an object once associated with war into a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and hope. Look for a long-form feature article on Sonia’s project and the helmet’s incredible journey and meaning in the November Jewish Journal!
