The family of Eden Yerushalmi gathered at her grave in the Yarkon Cemetery on Tuesday to mark one year since she was murdered by Hamas terrorists. Yerushalmi was abducted alive from the Nova Music Festival on October 7th, 2023, and was murdered along with five other hostages in Hamas captivity.
May, Eden's sister, said tearfully: "Most people know you as 'Eden, aged 24 from Tel Aviv, a former hostage whose body was returned,' but I want everyone to know who you really were: a beautiful girl with a penetrating gaze, full of passion for life and endless energy.
"Choose to continue living in your path," May said, "With love and happiness. I haven't stopped feeling you with next to me. I will forever lift up my eyes."
Her sister, Shani, eulogized: "My Eden, you're my hero. Thanks to you, I fear nothing; nothing can compare to what you went through.
"I learned the power of love," she added, "How family is more important than anything, and how much good there is in the world. I met thousands of people who loved you without knowing you.
"I have one wish," Shani added, "Let me feel you with me everywhere until our souls meet again."
Eden's aunt, Carmit, described her niece as a girl who was full of happiness, warmth, and optimism: "Your loss is felt everywhere - during holidays, at meals, on regular days."
Along with the pain, the aunt stressed the obligation of carrying her torch: "You leave us a gift - your memory. You teach me even now to choose light, don't let time forget you. I promise to continue talking about you and not give up on you ever."