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bereaved families

News and updates about bereaved families

'Rise from this grief'

Sgt. Yair Hanania's last letter before he fell in battle in Gaza

Sgt. Hanania's family discovered a letter he wrote before he was killed in battle against Hamas in case he did not return from the war calling on them to continue to act to fix the world.

Sgt. Yair Hanania's last letter before he fell in battle in Gaza

Family of Omer Neutra:

'Heavy grief, leadership will be revealed in actions and results'

Hours following the announcement that their son, who was kidnapped on October 7, was also killed that day, the family of Omer Neutra call on leaders to rise to the occasion and show the same leadership Omer showed.

'Heavy grief, leadership will be revealed in actions and results'

Two weeks later:

Fallen soldier's family holds circumcision for his nephew

A circumcision ceremony was held this morning (Tuesday) for the nephew of Gilad Elmaliach, who was killed in action in southern Lebanon, at the Heroism Tent set up by bereaved families. 'We felt with you in pain, we want to share in joy.'

Fallen soldier's family holds circumcision for his nephew

Bereaved families to Lapid:

'Don't get in the way of our victory'

Representatives of bereaved families from Forum Hagvura met with opposition leader Yair Lapid and implored him to tone down public discourse.

'Don't get in the way of our victory'

Moving:

Yaakov Shwekey sings with IDF soldier's bereaved brother

Uri Vizel, brother of fallen IDF soldier Elkana Vizel, who fell in Gaza, sings with American Jewish singer Yaakov Shwekey at 'Menucha Veyeshua' event for bereaved families. Watch.

Yaakov Shwekey sings with IDF soldier's bereaved brother

Ending the mourning with song:

Moving songs conclude the Goldberg family's week of mourning

Family and friends gather Saturday night in the Goldberg family's mourning tent, marking the end of the seven-day mourning period following the fall of Rabbi Avi Goldberg in Lebanon.

Moving songs conclude the Goldberg family's week of mourning

Bereaved mother:

'Look at each other without barriers'

The mother of fallen soldier Gilad Nitzan shares her way to honor her son's legacy.

'Look at each other without barriers'

Call for unity:

The bereaved family's condition for visits by politicians

The family of fallen IDF officer Rabbi Avi Goldberg asks that politicians visit with a member of the opposing side. 'At a time when the rifts in Israeli society are growing, it is important for us to underline the value of unity.'

The bereaved family's condition for visits by politicians

Heartbreaking:

Nephew weeps for fallen uncle

In an emotional photograph published by photographer Haim Goldberg, young Jonathan is seen sobbing at the memorial service for his uncle, a Sayeret Matkal soldier who was killed in action.

Nephew weeps for fallen uncle

One Year of War:

1,590 bereaved parents, 306 widows, 645 orphans

More than 5,200 family members have been bereaved, including approximately 1,590 bereaved parents, 306 widows, 645 orphans, and over 2,730 bereaved siblings.

1,590 bereaved parents, 306 widows, 645 orphans

'How can one breathe without you?'

IDF soldier Yishai Greenbaum laid to rest

Greenbaum passed away from his wounds after being critically injured in Lebanon. His widow, Hadas, eulogized: 'We received a harsh blow, but we are stronger than this, despite everything, the people of Israel live.'

IDF soldier Yishai Greenbaum laid to rest

Bereaved father to Gallant:

'You're leading us to Oslo 2'

Defense Minister tells Hagvura Forum leaders that Israel will turn over control of Gaza to the Palestinian Arabs after the war ends, leading to rebuke from father of a fallen soldier.

'You're leading us to Oslo 2'

Double Tragedy:

Dalya lost two grandchildren in 42 days

'When they knocked on the door I didn’t need an explanation - I heard the message 42 days ago.'

Dalya lost two grandchildren in 42 days

Home Front Command guidelines limit Oct. 7 memorial

The regulations on civilian activity mean that the ceremonies can be held with a limited audience consisting of the families of the victims.

Home Front Command guidelines limit Oct. 7 memorial

Tom's family:

'After 10/7, he volunteered to go back to active service'

Family of Tom Ish-Shalom, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Rafah, say he 'was clear that when the country and the people needed him, he would be there, in front, in the lead, facing the danger.'

'After 10/7, he volunteered to go back to active service'

PM on criticism from hostage's family: 'I listen, I don't judge'

PM Netanyahu responds to the publication of a recording of the family of murdered hostage Ori Danino criticizing him when he made a shiva visit to them.

PM on criticism from hostage's family: 'I listen, I don't judge'

Retired judge ripped down photos of hostages, fallen soldiers

Heroes Forum files complaint with police against retired judge Sara Haviv, who was filmed ripping down signs bearing the photos of hostages and fallen IDF soldiers.

Retired judge ripped down photos of hostages, fallen soldiers

Ben-Gvir:

'We'll do everything so Netanyahu won't bend'

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir addressed protesters against a hostage deal and said he is using his power in the government to prevent one.

'We'll do everything so Netanyahu won't bend'

'Don't let Sinwar win'

Bereaved families march in Jerusalem

Bereaved families from the Heroes Forum marched in Jerusalem to call on the government not to concede to Hamas' demands and to protest the general strike.

Bereaved families march in Jerusalem

Hostage's girlfriend:

'He escaped the massacre but went back into rescue others'

The girlfriend of one of the hostages recently recovered from Gaza tells about the bravery and character he displayed on October 7th.

'He escaped the massacre but went back into rescue others'

First day of school:

Mayor of Jerusalem accompanies bereaved son to class

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon accompanied Achiya Zenilman, a first-grade student who lost his father in Gaza to class.

Mayor of Jerusalem accompanies bereaved son to class

'I want Daddy'

Avigayil Eliyahu, recently orphaned, hugs photo of her father

Karnei Shomron dedicates special lookout built in memory of the town's eight residents who fell in battle in Gaza.

Avigayil Eliyahu, recently orphaned, hugs photo of her father

Bereaved sister:

'This time he had doubts, but he said he was going anyway'

The sister of fallen IDF soldier Yohay Hay Glam recounts her last conversations with her brother before his fateful return to Gaza.

'This time he had doubts, but he said he was going anyway'

Aryeh Zalmanovich was murdered beside his friend Farhan al-Qadi

Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, Bedouin Israeli rescued from Gaza captivity, says hostage Aryeh Zalmanovich was held hostage alongside him until his death.

Aryeh Zalmanovich was murdered beside his friend Farhan al-Qadi

Hostage's mother: 'Alternative memorial ceremony is dangerous'

Iris Haim, mother of hostage killed hostage Yotam Haim, believes 'alternative' October 7 memorial ceremony is 'a protest against the government.'

Hostage's mother: 'Alternative memorial ceremony is dangerous'

Two weeks before her birthday

10-year-old girl killed in fatal accident

10-year-old Alma Greenberg was killed after being hit by a car at a crosswalk in Kiryat Ono. Her mother, Miri, tearfully said about her daughter: "An angel with golden curls."

10-year-old girl killed in fatal accident

Wife of terror victim:

'Exactly what he was afraid of happened'

Ella, the wife of the murdered Gideon Peri, stated that Gideon had regularly warned that he was afraid of being attacked from behind by a terrorist with a hammer - precisely how he died.

'Exactly what he was afraid of happened'

'I'm watching over you'

Fallen soldier's farewell letter

Sergeant Ori Ashkenazi Nechemya left a farewell letter to his family. 'I lived a wonderful life, with no regrets. Love you forever. I would be happy if you continue my legacy.'

Fallen soldier's farewell letter

Bereaved father:

Prisoner swap deal 'bitter death sentence for many Jews'

Eliyahu Libman, whose son was murdered on October 7, warns that a 'deal will be the State of Israel's official encouragement of more kidnappings.'

Prisoner swap deal 'bitter death sentence for many Jews'

Bereaved families to PM:

For the sake of Israel's children - say NO to a reckless deal

Parents of fallen soldiers urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to say 'no' to a deal which will harm Israel's security. 'Look into the eyes of our children, make a deal - but not one that harms Israel's security.'

For the sake of Israel's children - say NO to a reckless deal

Chilling:

8-year-old Regev says Kaddish for murdered father

8-year-old Regev, son of Gideon Peri, who was murdered in Sunday's attack in Samaria, said the Kaddish prayer for the dead today.

8-year-old Regev says Kaddish for murdered father

Israeli actor:

I lost relatives in Gaza

Guy Zu-Aretz, the host of 'Big Brother' on Channel 13, shared his pain upon hearing that the son of his cousin, Major Yotam Peled, was killed in action today in central Gaza.

I lost relatives in Gaza

President Herzog holds prayer vigil for hostages

President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog were joined by family members of hostages and bereaved families at his residence where they prayed for the well-being of the 115 hostages held captive by Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip for 313 days.

President Herzog holds prayer vigil for hostages

“It feels as though a part of you is missing"

Talking to bereaved siblings whose twin fell in the war.

“It feels as though a part of you is missing"

Appalling:

Posters with photographs of fallen soldiers vandalized

Bereaved families hung posters of hundreds of fallen soldiers, with the inscription 'In their death they commanded us victory." Some of the signs were vandalized.

Posters with photographs of fallen soldiers vandalized

Watch:

Protesters disrupt Supreme Court hearing on PA case

The Supreme Court discussed this morning a petition by the Palestinian Authority against the State of Israel. Bereaved families attended the hearing and clashed with the lawyers representing the PA.

Protesters disrupt Supreme Court hearing on PA case

Bereaved father to US official:

'Stop pressuring Netanyahu, join the fight against Hamas'

Itzik Bonzel, whose son Amit fell in battle in Gaza, joined families of hostages and other bereaved families in a meeting with US Deputy Special Presidential Envoy For Hostage Affairs Dustin Stewart and called on the US not to withhold munitions from Israel.

'Stop pressuring Netanyahu, join the fight against Hamas'

Singer Ran Danker's tribute to the family of Roni Eshel

The successful singer performed for the first time in Caesarea and invited Eshel's family to his show and dedicated the song 'Angel' in her memory.

Singer Ran Danker's tribute to the family of Roni Eshel

'Investigations only after the war'

Netanyahu meets with families of fallen IDF observers

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met today with families of soldiers killed in the attack on the Nahal Oz base on October 7th, and clarified that investigations of the attack will be held only once the war is won.

Netanyahu meets with families of fallen IDF observers

Bereaved father shouts:

'The victims should fund the terrorist's defense?'

Emotions ran high during a Knesset Constitution Committee discussion regarding the funding of legal defense for terrorists who committed the October 7th massacre.

'The victims should fund the terrorist's defense?'

Families of hostages:

'Deal with Hamas is surrender'

Residents of the north, bereaved families, and relatives of hostages protested outside the Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, calling for continued pressure on Hamas and against a deal with Hezbollah.

'Deal with Hamas is surrender'

Heartbreaking:

Fallen soldier's daughter welcomes him home from duty

Emotional footage shows the moment when Valery Chaponov, who was killed by a Hezbollah UAV yesterday, returned home to embrace his daughter.

Fallen soldier's daughter welcomes him home from duty

Last conversation:

'Dad, where are you?'

Shortly before the couple Nir and Noa Baranes were killed by a rocket fired by Hezbollah, the father of the family, Nir, sent a final voice message to their eldest son, Matan.

'Dad, where are you?'

'I want to say thanks'

Anat marked her husband's birthday at his grave

Anat Meir lost her husband Major (res.) David Meir on October 7th during a heroic battle in Kibbutz Be'eri. 'This year, I say thanks for things I never imagined I'd say thanks for.'

Anat marked her husband's birthday at his grave

IDF observers' parents demand footage of daughters' last day

Families of IDF observers who were murdered on October 7 write to Chief of Staff saying they will petition the Supreme Court if he does not allow them to see and hear the last videos and recording of their daughters alive.

IDF observers' parents demand footage of daughters' last day

Kibbutz Ortal mourns victims

Noa and Nir Baranes named as victims of Hezbollah attack

Noa and Nir Baranes, parents of 3, were on their way home to Kibbutz Ortal when a Hezbollah rocket hit their car, killing them both.

Noa and Nir Baranes named as victims of Hezbollah attack

Family adds 'May God avenge' to headstone 39 years later

The family of fallen soldier David Cohen, who fell in battle about 39 years ago and whose parents fought to inscribe HY"D on his grave, intend to change the inscription on the headstone

Family adds 'May God avenge' to headstone 39 years later

Moving:

Injured soldier says 'Hagomel' blessing in home of fallen comrade

Nahal Brigade soldier Ro'i Hizmi, severely injured in Rafah, comforts fallen comrade's bereaved parents and recites Hagomel blessing in their home. Watch.

Injured soldier says 'Hagomel' blessing in home of fallen comrade

Brother of fallen soldier:

'My brother won't be back, we'll take comfort in enemy's defeat'

Meir, brother of fallen soldier Sergeant First Class (res.) Yakir Shmuel Tatelbaum, tells Arutz Sheva - Israel National News about the moment the family received the bitter news, and the difficulty coping with it.

'My brother won't be back, we'll take comfort in enemy's defeat'

Moving:

Mourners sing 'Ani Ma'amin' at end of fallen soldier's funeral

Sergeant First Class (res.) Yakir Shmuel Tatelbaum was killed in action in Gaza over Shabbat. At the conclusion of his funeral, the crowd burst out singing, 'Ani Ma'amin.' Watch.

Mourners sing 'Ani Ma'amin' at end of fallen soldier's funeral

Bereaved mother to politicians:

End the pettiness, embrace one another

What Benjamin Netanyahu and I heard in the mourners’ tent after my son’s aide, Saadia Dery, was killed in Gaza.

End the pettiness, embrace one another

Bereaved father to Netanyahu:

The people are in favor of finishing the job

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pays condolence visit to the family of fallen fighter Omer Smadja, praises his courage and sacrifice. 'Israel will win thanks to these heroes.'

The people are in favor of finishing the job

Bereaved Sister:

'We need a special October 7th Massacre Act'

The sister of Lotan Abir, who was murdered at the party in Re'im, is leading a campaign for special recognition of the families of the massacre victims: 'The existing law is not suitable and does not suffice.'

'We need a special October 7th Massacre Act'

Israelis who lost loved ones on October 7 sue UNRWA

Approximately 100 Israelis will file a lawsuit in New York, accusing UNRWA of crimes against humanity and aiding a terror organization in perpetrating a massacre.

Israelis who lost loved ones on October 7 sue UNRWA

Twice bereaved mother:

'The enemy wants to annihilate us – we choose life'

Twice bereaved mother, Miriam Peretz, participated this weekend in a special event in Jerusalem for families who lost loved ones during the war and said that, ‘they give her a lot of strength.’

'The enemy wants to annihilate us – we choose life'

Bereaved Father at funeral:

'My message to the soldiers - don't stop'

Oren Smadga, father of fallen soldier Omer Smadga, eulogized his son at the military section of the Netanya cemetery. Laly Dery's son is being laid to rest in the military section at the cemetery in Holon.

'My message to the soldiers - don't stop'

Grandfather of fallen soldier:

'My grandson was raised on the Torah and its commandments'

Saadia Sharabi, the grandfather of fallen soldier Shalom Menachem who was killed in the APC explosion in Gaza, spoke about the deep conversations he had with his grandson about the military.

'My grandson was raised on the Torah and its commandments'

Protecting the Homeland:

Stories of the victims of the APC explosion in Gaza

Family and friends eulogize the eight soldiers killed in the explosion of an APC in Gaza.

Stories of the victims of the APC explosion in Gaza

Moshe Feiglin eulogizes fallen grandson

'He trained to fight at the very front of the war, and that is exactly where he ended up.'

Moshe Feiglin eulogizes fallen grandson

Fallen commander's widow:

'Amazing spouse, perfect dad, loving and beloved man'

In a post published by Michal Zamora, the widow of fallen YAMAM officer Arnon Zamora who fell in battle during the hostage rescue mission, she eulogized: "He was a loving and beloved man."

'Amazing spouse, perfect dad, loving and beloved man'