bereaved families

War widows support Smotrich

A group of war widows wrote to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: 'We support you and your struggle for the same path that called to our husbands.'

Two weeks before the massacre:

Terrorists waved 'congratulations' sign at IDF lookout

Eyal Eshel, father of IDF lookout Roni Eshel, who fell in the October 7 massacre, says the terrorists knew the birthday of one of the IDF lookouts at the Nahal Oz military base.

New project connects Diaspora Jews with bereaved Israeli families

The 'Sign of Life' initiative, Israel’s national memorial project, recently toured the US to connect Jewish communities with bereaved families.

Bereavement:

'Sara knew pain, but she found happiness in life'

Daughter of Sara Vaspi, who lost her husband, son and grandson in Israel's wars, and passed away, eulogizes her mother: 'Whoever colors my mother in colors of bereavement is wrong.'

Bereaved families:

Cancel shipments of terrorists abroad

Bereaved families from the Almagor Terror Victims Association‎ call on Cabinet ministers to stop the release of terrorists to foreign countries. 'Terrible mistake that began with a pathetic decision.'

'I haven't slept for two days'

Liri Albag's father apologizes to bereaved families

Eli Albag apologizes to bereaved families who were hurt by his remarks criticizing those who opposed the hostage release deal: I haven't slept for two days because of this. First and foremost, I apologize.

Liri Albag's father clarifies:

'I was referring only to the leaders'

Eli Albag, father of Liri Albag, who was released in a prisoner swap deal with Hamas, explains his 'scorn' for those who didn't support deal.

Bereaved father to Eli Albag:

Many Jews will pay with their lives for your daughter's release

Itzik Bonzel, father of fallen IDF soldier Amit Bonzel, responds to Eli Albag, whose daughter was freed in a prisoner swap deal: 'This is the time to bow your head and say thank you, not to threaten.'

Families of terror victims to be informed of terrorists' release

The families of terror victims whose murderer will be released as part of the ceasefire deal will receive notice of the decision, joint statement says.

'Stop this deal'

Bereaved families set up display of coffins in Jerusalem

Families of fallen soldiers set up display of coffins draped in Israeli flags and warn that the current ceasefire deal will lead to many more coffins for IDF soldiers.

Hersh's parents:

'Deal is an overdue opportunity to recover remaining hostages'

Jon and Rachel, the parents of slain hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, welcome deal as "a step that should have been taken long ago".

Call on Ben Gvir and Smotrich:

'Leave the government if archterrorists are freed'

Bereaved families write to Ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich, demanding an emergency meeting and calling on them to resign from the government in the wake of the deal that will see the release of terrorists.

Coalition members oppose ceasefire deal with Hamas

Ten members of Israel's coalition sent letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to oppose the proposed deal with Hamas.

Moving:

Yonatan Razel sings with family of fallen soldier

The family of Yossi Hershkowitz, a school principal who fell in battle in Gaza, sings Yossi's last song in New York together with renowned singer Yonatan Razel. Watch.

Hostage's father:

'Trump knows - barbarians only understand power'

Hostages' families and bereaved families, gathered for a press conference following talk of a deal and the upcoming inauguration of the Trump administration, under the banner, 'Time for Victory.'

Soldier's family confront Finance Minister at condolence visit

The Perl family expressed frustration to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich during a condolence visit for their son Matityahu Perel.

Families of murdered hostages:

'Don't miss this chance! Make deal now to bring everyone home!'

After recovery of Yosef al-Ziyadne's body, family members of the hostages who were murdered by their Hamas captors make joint statement to government demanding a deal to return the remaining hostages be signed immediately.

Hundreds of flags

Thousands accompany fallen soldier Ido on his last journey

Staff Sergeant Ido Samiach, 20, fell Tuesday in battle in northern Gaza, and was buried in the Savyon cemetery.

Resilience is the path forward

The bereaved families that I have met are inspiring people, they get up every morning, holding the deepest pain in one hand and hope in the other. Op-ed.

Focusing on the light:

Wounded soldiers, bereaved youngsters and a Hanukkah surprise

“You are the heroes our children will learn about in the future, just as you learned about the Maccabees when you were in school."

Bereaved Brother:

'We are heartbroken, Amit was our strength'

Brothers of fallen IDF soldier Amit Levi speak about the memories he left them and the lessons he wished to leave behind.

Bereaved Grandfather:

A Grandfather's Call for Unity Amidst Tragedy

A grandfather urges the media to promote unity and understanding in the wake of his grandson's death.

Defense Minister:

'IDF must release full recordings of fallen soldiers'

Defense Minister Israel Katz directed the IDF to release nearly complete recordings from the night of October 7th to the families of soldiers killed in the massacre.

Bereaved father:

'IDF cheated us'

Eyal Eshel, father of the fallen soldier Roni Eshel, criticized the IDF's release of the radio recordings from the night before the October 7th massacre.

Bereaved husband and father:

'Lucky' massacre was in Be'eri and not Gush Etzion

Avida Bachar, whose wife and son were murdered on Oct. 7, says that 'if it had happened in Gush Etzion, I would have said, 'Why are they living there?''

Tel Aviv refuses memorial sites for fallen soldiers

Families of fallen soldiers from the Swords of Iron war accuse Tel Aviv of not allowing them to establish memorial sites in public spaces.

At meeting with bereaved families

Defense Minister: Goal of eliminating Hamas remains unchanged

Defense Minister Israel Katz meets bereaved families, expresses his intention to meet the goals of the war: The war will not stop as long as there is even one hostage in Gaza.

Bereaved families to PM:

'No to reckless deal; yes to a responsible one'

Bereaved families of the Gvura Forum demand that Prime Minister reach a deal that preserves war achievements and enables defeat of Hamas.

'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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

Bereaved mother:

'Look at each other without barriers'

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

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.'

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.'

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.'

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."

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.

'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.'

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.'

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.'

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.

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.