A Father’s Tribute: Fallen Soldiers’ Faces to Light Up Petah Tikva on Memorial Day

Initiated by a bereaved father, the city will honor 40 local heroes of the Swords of Iron War with digital memorials across town.

Staff Sgt. Sahar Sudai z”l, one of Petah Tikva’s fallen heroes | Photo: Courtesy of Petah Tikva Municipality

As Israel prepares for Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism, the city of Petah Tikva will commemorate 40 sons and daughters of the city who fell during the Swords of Iron War by displaying their portraits on 84 digital screens across town. This heartfelt initiative is the brainchild of Yossi Sudai, the bereaved father of Staff Sgt. Sahar Sudai z”l, who was killed in battle against Hamas terrorists in Jabalia, Gaza, in May 2024.

From Personal Loss to Communal Memory
Following his personal tragedy, Yossi Sudai approached the Petah Tikva Municipality with a request to memorialize his son. But rather than focus solely on Sahar, he proposed a broader tribute—for all the city’s fallen.

Staff Sgt. Sahar Sudai z”l | Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit

The city embraced the idea, expanding it into a moving citywide initiative to honor every fallen soldier from Petah Tikva.

Images of Heroes Throughout the City
Starting on Holocaust Remembrance Day and continuing through Memorial Day, the faces of the fallen are displayed prominently on digital screens placed in city centers, major roadways, and public gathering places. Throughout the day, the portraits remind residents of the personal sacrifices behind Israel’s freedom and security.

A Tribute of Honor and Solidarity
Mayor Rami Greenberg spoke about the importance of the project: “Petah Tikva mourns the loss of its sons and daughters and honors their bravery.
Displaying the faces of our fallen heroes throughout the city is a tribute of deep respect and solidarity with the bereaved families.”

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