Ahead of Israel’s Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism, a meeting was held today (Tuesday) at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem between President Isaac Herzog, his wife Michal, and representatives of families who have lost loved ones in terror attacks. The gathering was joined by Avi Moses, Chairman of the Organization of Victims of Hostile Actions.
“You bring life into this meaning”
The event included families whose loved ones were murdered in terrorist attacks, including many killed in the October 7 massacre. Among those present were the family of Libi Cohen Meguri z”l, murdered at the Nova music festival; the families of Yuval and Maayan Bar z”l, who were murdered in their home in Kibbutz Be’eri; the family of Moshe and Eliad Ohayon z”l, who were killed while defending the city of Ofakim; and additional families who lost loved ones in attacks across the country.
“Each and every one of those mentioned here – they were people who loved others. People who cared. When you hear their stories, you see how deeply they looked out for those around them,” said President Herzog. “I constantly try to understand – what meaning can be found in this stormy river of pain and tears that we all swim in? You give this meaning life. You give strength to our struggle, our contribution, to the building of this country, to our care for the future and for the next generations,” he added.
Stories and testimonies from the families
Throughout the meeting, the bereaved families shared their personal stories. Sheli, mother of Libi Cohen Meguri z”l, tearfully recounted her final conversation with her daughter, who was murdered at the Nova festival: “Libi was the sunshine of our lives. A child full of light, joy, and laughter. She kept calling again and again, told me her friend next to her was no longer alive, and then said: ‘Mom, I’ve been shot in the stomach, in the arm, I’m losing blood.’ She said goodbye to us… and then she went silent. I yelled to her – ‘Why are you quiet?’ And she replied: ‘Mom, they’re coming to shoot me again.’”
Sarit, widow of Moshe and mother of Eliad Ohayon z”l, shared the heartbreaking story of her family’s bravery as they defended Ofakim. Moran, daughter of Yuval and Maayan Bar z”l, spoke of a loving family that dreamed of raising their children in Kibbutz Be’eri.
Yaari, husband of Inbar Weigder z”l, who was murdered in a shooting attack on the light rail in Jaffa, described the dramatic moments of that day, the search for his wife, and the devastating news.
“Alongside pain, there is healing, hope, and growth”
Michal Herzog, the First Lady, concluded: “It always amazes me how much connection there is between the stories. The pain is similar, and for so many years our country has lived this pain. But from that pain, sometimes buds of hope, of growth, and even joy can emerge.”
Avi Moses, Chairman of the Organization of Victims of Hostile Actions, added: “In this room is a remarkable mosaic of Israeli society – Jews, Arabs, religious and secular. We all live with this pain. But alongside the pain, there is healing, there is hope, and there is growth.”
President Herzog ended the meeting with a message of hope: “There is no complete cure, and no full comfort. But there is the strength to rise again. Each one of you holds deep significance– especially for the children, the grandchildren, the next generation.”
To conclude, he offered a prayer for unity: “May we all know – fewer quarrels, less division. May we learn to see the light, even in the darkest of days, and not only the hatred and pain.”
