Minister Miri Regev, who is overseeing Israel’s 77th Independence Day celebrations, announced this evening (Thursday) the names of four new torch lighters for the official ceremony on Mount Herzl. All were selected from candidates proposed by the public advisory committee.
This year’s theme is “Bridges of Hope,” highlighting efforts that connect communities, nations, and worlds.
Inbar and Raz Ben Simhon – The Courage of the Home Front
One of the torches will be lit by Inbar and Raz Ben Simhon. Raz, a reservist in the Alexandroni Brigade, was wounded during combat in the Netzarim corridor last June, yet chose to return to service despite the challenges.
Inbar, his wife, supported him with strength and determination throughout this time and continued to hold their family together.
Minister Regev stated: “Choosing Inbar represents the deep gratitude that an entire nation feels for the wives of our reservists.”
Dr. Eli David – AI-Driven Public Diplomacy
Dr. Eli David, one of Israel’s most prominent artificial intelligence researchers and an internationally recognized figure, will also take the stage at the torch-lighting ceremony. David co-founded groundbreaking startups such as Deep Instinct and Marpai Health. During the war, he became a key figure in online hasbara (public diplomacy), actively engaging on social media.
Despite facing online attacks, Dr. David used his popular X (formerly Twitter) account to become a central voice in Israeli digital advocacy from within the high-tech and AI sectors. He is now regarded as one of the most influential Israeli tech entrepreneurs online.
Artifex – The Track That Never Ended
DJ Yarin Benyaminov, known by his stage name Artifex, survived the brutal terrorist attack at the Nova music festival and has also been chosen to light a torch. He played the final track at the party, and after surviving the massacre, chose to continue spreading the music of the “Nova Tribe” as a path toward healing and unity.
“Artifex is the man who played the final track before the music of life was silenced at the Nova party on October 7,” said Minister Regev. “Since then, he has continued to create powerful moments of resilience and has shown that music and joy truly can heal the soul.”
Omri Casspi – From the Court to the Heart of the Nation
Omri Casspi, the first Israeli to play in the NBA, has become a key figure in international hasbara since October 7.
Regev praised his extraordinary contribution: “Omri inspired an entire generation and proved that with talent, faith, and ambition—it’s possible to reach heights that once seemed out of reach.”
She added: “Since October 7, Omri has devoted himself to Israel’s hasbara efforts, using his stellar reputation to give voice to the just cause of the State of Israel.”
A Ceremony of Hope
This year’s ceremony, under the theme “Bridges of Hope,” will feature torch lighters—both women and men—whose actions help bridge divides across Israeli society, in the military, scientific, cultural, and social arenas.
