\n\u201cWe choose life,\u201d says Wally Wolfstahl, forum CEO, who lost his son, Captain (Res.) Ariel Mordechai Wolfstahl z\u201dl. \u201cDespite the unbearable pain, we find strength in their memory and in the unity of the people.\u201d<\/p>\n
He describes the forum as a home and safe space for families to share their grief and draw strength from one another.<\/p>\n An Empty Chair at the Seder?<\/strong> \u201cOri\u2019s absence is deeply felt, but we draw strength from his character,\u201d says Yehoshua.<\/p>\n 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\u2014they 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.<\/p>\n \u201cDespite the terrible pain, we draw strength from our sons\u2019 memories and the unity of the people.\u201d<\/p>\n One Year of the Heroism Tent<\/strong> During Passover, the forum is holding special evenings of remembrance featuring stories of soldiers who fell in Israel\u2019s various wars.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cAriel was our eldest\u2014a pillar of the family,\u201d says his brother Ori. \u201cDespite his high capabilities, he insisted on serving in the Armored Corps, believing that\u2019s where he was needed. He always had a smile on his face.\u201d<\/p>\n Freedom Written in Blood<\/strong> Despite the pain, they both express deep strength and pride in the nation. <\/p>\n \u201cI see the power of the younger generation,\u201d Yehoshua says, \u201cvolunteering, serving in reserves, showing kindness\u2014that is our strength.\u201d<\/p>\n Unity Is the Call of the Hour<\/strong> 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\u2014and to draw strength from their stories.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Heroism Forum gives new meaning to the concept of freedom in light of losing sons during the war. Two of its leaders, Wally Wolfstahl and Yehoshua Shani, share their personal stories and their mission, highlighting the strength of the nation to rise from grief.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":19995,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[88,6],"tags":[1926,4343,3818,3332,1746],"class_list":["post-19994","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-will-remember","category-security","tag-bereaved-families","tag-heroism-forum","tag-israeli-unity","tag-passover","tag-swords-of-iron-war"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/heroism-forum-2.webp\")
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\nYehoshua Shani, who lost his son Staff Sgt. Ori Shani z\u201dl, shares how they\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/heroism-forum-3.webp\")
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\nBravery in Battle<\/strong>
\nOri z\u201dl, a platoon commander in Golani\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/heroism-4.jpg\")
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\nA Legacy of Heroism<\/strong>
\nThe Heroism Forum brings together over 300 bereaved families, working to preserve the memory of the fallen and strengthen Israeli society.
\nThey host memorials, speak to students and young people, and share stories of bravery.<\/p>\n
\nThis 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.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/heroism-forum-5.webp\")
\nWally and Yehoshua emphasize the link between their sons\u2019 heroism and the freedom celebrated on Passover. \u201cOur sons gave their lives for our freedom,\u201d says Wally. \u201cAt the Seder, we honor their bravery and their sacrifice.\u201dYehoshua adds: \u201cWe are proud of our sons\u2014they stood between us and the enemy. Their heroism is part of Israel\u2019s freedom story.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nIn light of current national debates\u2014such as the draft law for Haredim\u2014both men stress the importance of unity. \u201cWe must find a solution for the draft, but it must come from brotherhood,\u201d Yehoshua concludes.<\/p>\n