{"id":20212,"date":"2025-04-20T21:06:52","date_gmt":"2025-04-20T18:06:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/?p=20212"},"modified":"2025-04-20T21:42:20","modified_gmt":"2025-04-20T18:42:20","slug":"ben-shapiro-emily-damari-oren-smadja-among-independence-day-torchlighters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/ben-shapiro-emily-damari-oren-smadja-among-independence-day-torchlighters\/","title":{"rendered":"Ben Shapiro, Emily Damari, Oren Smadja Among Independence Day Torchlighters"},"content":{"rendered":"

Minister Miri Regev, who oversees the official events for Israel\u2019s 77th Independence Day, announced today that she has approved the IDF Chief of Staff\u2019s recommendation and personally informed Lt. Faez Faris and Lt. Hagit Alon Elharar of their selection to light a torch in a joint segment at the national ceremony on Mount Herzl. They will join journalist Ben Shapiro, freed hostage Emily Damari, and former Olympic judoka and coach Oren Smadja, who were previously announced as torchlighters.<\/p>\n

Lt. Faez Faris
\n<\/strong>Lt. Faez Faris is a member of Israel\u2019s Druze community from the northern town of Hurfeish, who has held several key command positions in the IDF\u2019s Kfir Brigade. On the morning of October 7, he arrived with his soldiers at Kibbutz Re\u2019im and joined in fierce combat against Hamas terrorists. He bravely engaged the enemy and rescued civilians under fire. Throughout the ongoing Swords of Iron war, Faris continued to contribute significantly to IDF operations and was recently appointed as commander of the Ephraim Regional Brigade.<\/p>\n

Lt. Hagit Alon Elharar<\/strong>
\nAlon-Elharar, from a large family in Kiryat Shmona, broke barriers as a woman in IDF logistics roles. She served as head of equipment departments and in multiple senior logistics positions. On October 7, she reported for reserve duty. A year into the war, her son, Amichai z\u201dl\u2014a recruit in the Golani Brigade training base\u2014was tragically killed. Despite the immense personal loss and evacuation of her family from their northern home, she has continued to serve in the reserves ever since.<\/p>\n

\u201cBridges of Hope and Inspiration\u201d<\/strong>
Minister Regev praised the two honorees, saying:
\u201cFaez and Hagit are living bridges of hope and inspiration. With unwavering dedication, they embody the spirit of both active-duty and reserve soldiers who stand as Israel\u2019s shield. Each of them, through their actions and sacrifices, has strengthened the resilience of Israeli society and helped forge a powerful emotional bond among its diverse communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emily Damari and Oren Smadja Also Chosen to Light Torches
\n<\/strong>Earlier today (Sunday), Regev also announced the selection of Emily Damari, a freed hostage, and Dr. Oren Smadja, former Olympic medalist and head coach of Israel\u2019s national judo team.<\/p>\n

Oren Smadja<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Oren Smadja | Photo: Inga Avshalom Shilian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Smadja rose to prominence in the 1990s when he won an Olympic bronze medal for Israel in Atlanta 1996. After retiring from competitive sports, he led Israel\u2019s male judo team to international success, including Olympic and world championship medals. Known for his demanding discipline and deep commitment to excellence, Smadja is regarded not just as a coach, but as a mentor who has shaped Israeli sports culture. In June 2024, Smadja\u2019s son, Sgt. Maj. Omer Smadja z\u201dl, a fighter in the 9203 Battalion of the Alexandroni Brigade, fell in battle in central Gaza at the age of 25.<\/p>\n

Omer Smadja z\u201dl<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Omer Smadja z\u201dl | Photo: IDF Spokesperson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Minister Regev stated:
\u201cOren is a true Israeli champion\u2014on and off the mat. Despite the unbearable loss of his son Omer during the war, he showed extraordinary strength, leading the Israeli judo team to record achievements at the Paris Olympics. He is a role model and a source of hope for the entire nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emily Damari
\n<\/strong>Shortly after Smadja\u2019s announcement, Regev confirmed that Emily Damari will also light a torch this year. Emily, 28, was kidnapped from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7. During her abduction, she was shot at close range, resulting in the loss of two fingers and serious leg injuries. She returned to Israel after 471 days in Hamas captivity and has since become a leading voice in the campaign to free all hostages.<\/p>\n

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Emily Damari with her mother, Amanda | Photo: IDF Spokesperson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Regev expressed:
\n\u201cEmily is an extraordinary Israeli heroine who has touched all our hearts and become a symbol of courage and resilience. Her strength in captivity and determination since her return embody the spirit of the Israeli people. Choosing Emily reflects our deep appreciation for the bravery of former hostages and our ongoing commitment to bringing home the 59 who are still in Gaza.\u201d<\/p>\n

Freed Hostages Reunite with Their Families:<\/p>\n