The October 7 massacre brought immense pain to the people of Israel. Many new initiatives were born in its wake—memorial projects, grassroots action, and civic leadership. One of them is the Heroism Forum, a movement formed by bereaved families who lost their children during the Swords of Iron War, which began on Simchat Torah morning.
“The forum was established to make the resolute voice of bereaved families heard and to call for the continuation of the fight against Hamas and other terrorist organizations with full force until absolute victory,” reads its website.
As Passover approaches, the Heroism Forum redefines freedom—through the lens of personal loss and national sacrifice. Forum leaders Wally Wolfstahl and Yehoshua Shani share their thoughts, underscoring the nation’s power to rise from bereavement into strength.
“We Turn Pain into Action and Growth”
“We choose life,” says Wally Wolfstahl, forum CEO, who lost his son, Captain (Res.) Ariel Mordechai Wolfstahl z”l. “Despite the unbearable pain, we find strength in their memory and in the unity of the people.”
He describes the forum as a home and safe space for families to share their grief and draw strength from one another.
An Empty Chair at the Seder?
Yehoshua Shani, who lost his son Staff Sgt. Ori Shani z”l, shares how they’re honoring Ori this Passover with a special edition wine series and passages Ori wrote during his army service, which will be read at the Seder.
“Ori’s absence is deeply felt, but we draw strength from his character,” says Yehoshua.
Bravery in Battle
Ori z”l, a platoon commander in Golani’s 51st Battalion, fought intense battles near the Kissufim outpost. Before being killed, he and his soldiers eliminated 35 Hamas terrorists, preventing their infiltration into the base and saving female soldiers hiding in the command center.
His friends recall that Ori emphasized discipline and preparedness, warning that an enemy attack was only a matter of time. His brother Yishai recounted messaging him the morning of the attack—they were both on standby. Ori texted during the battle, noting they were low on ammo and water. He eventually led the troops to a nearby orchard to regroup and then returned to the outpost for more supplies. Moments later, they were hit by mortar fire. Ori was fatally wounded by shrapnel to a major artery.
A Legacy of Heroism
The Heroism Forum brings together over 300 bereaved families, working to preserve the memory of the fallen and strengthen Israeli society.
They host memorials, speak to students and young people, and share stories of bravery.
“Despite the terrible pain, we draw strength from our sons’ memories and the unity of the people.”
One Year of the Heroism Tent
This week marks one year since the establishment of the Heroism Tent near Cinema City in Jerusalem. It has become a national pilgrimage site, a meeting point, and a space of support and resilience. It hosts lectures, cultural events, and personal conversations with bereaved families.
During Passover, the forum is holding special evenings of remembrance featuring stories of soldiers who fell in Israel’s various wars.
Ariel fell on January 22, 2024, in the collapsed building edisaster in Gaza, which claimed the lives of 21 reservists. The explosion occurred during a mission to clear and demolish structures near Al-Maghazi refugee camp. An RPG hit a tank securing the area, and another missile struck the buildings, triggering a massive secondary explosion from pre-planted explosives, causing the collapse.
“Ariel was our eldest—a pillar of the family,” says his brother Ori. “Despite his high capabilities, he insisted on serving in the Armored Corps, believing that’s where he was needed. He always had a smile on his face.”
Freedom Written in Blood
Wally and Yehoshua emphasize the link between their sons’ heroism and the freedom celebrated on Passover. “Our sons gave their lives for our freedom,” says Wally. “At the Seder, we honor their bravery and their sacrifice.”Yehoshua adds: “We are proud of our sons—they stood between us and the enemy. Their heroism is part of Israel’s freedom story.”
Despite the pain, they both express deep strength and pride in the nation.
“I see the power of the younger generation,” Yehoshua says, “volunteering, serving in reserves, showing kindness—that is our strength.”
Unity Is the Call of the Hour
In light of current national debates—such as the draft law for Haredim—both men stress the importance of unity. “We must find a solution for the draft, but it must come from brotherhood,” Yehoshua concludes.
The Heroism Forum is a living testament to the resilience of the Israeli people. Out of unspeakable loss has risen an immense force of courage, offering inspiration and strength to the entire nation. This Passover is a time to honor the fallen heroes—and to draw strength from their stories.
