Hinneni (Here I Am) Project Catalog

The Hinneni (I Am Here) Art Exhibit is the product of a unique project that has taken place between 43 artists from the Hadera-Eiron region in Israel and artists from the Partnership communities in the Southeast U.S. and the Czech Republic, as part of an initiative to honor the lives of young individuals from Hadera-Eiron who were tragically killed during the Nova Festival massacre or in combat since October 7th.

Driven by a desire to honor the fallen, artists from Israel, the U.S., and the Czech Republic engaged in a continuous and meaningful artistic dialogue with the bereaved families. Many artists were paired with families, having personal or virtual emotional meetings to better know the fallen individuals for whom they created their artwork. These personal encounters fostered a connection that transcended cultural and geographical boundaries, inspiring the artists to produce heartfelt and powerful works of art.

Throughout the past few months, the artists have shared their works-in-progress, sought creative advice, and even participated in group Zoom sessions. These virtual gatherings became a platform for connection, growth, and artistic inspiration. Together, Israeli, American, and Czech artists have created deeply moving and significant works that reflect their personal and collective encounters with the stories of the fallen.

This exhibition is the culmination of this project, representing not only the art itself but the deep connections formed between the artists and the families. The result is a collection of works that spans various media—painting, sculpting, ceramics, mosaics, photography, and more—each piece is a testament to the emotions, struggles, and humanity shared during this process. It stands as a tribute to the fallen, a symbol of solidarity, and a powerful reminder of art’s ability to transcend divides, heal, and unite.

The exhibition will be presented in the Hadera-Eiron Partnership communities both in Israel and in the Southeast Consortium US and the Czech Republic, where it will serve as a testament to the power of art in fostering understanding, solidarity, and remembrance.

“Partnership2Gether”, an initiative of the Jewish Agency, continues to serve as a model for creating meaningful partnerships between Jewish communities worldwide and in Israel. This exhibition, part of the ongoing efforts of the Hadera-Eiron and U.S. Southeast region Partnership2Gether consortium and the Czech Republic, is a testament to the strength of these relationships. It is one of many projects that aim to build enduring connections, foster personal encounters, create joint initiatives, and strengthen the bond with Israel.

Dear friends,

The Jewish Agency for Israel is the living bridge between the State of Israel and world Jewry. As the largest operational organization of the Jewish people over generations, it actively implements a wide range of programs that directly connect Israel with Jewish communities worldwide. Partnership2Gether is one of The Jewish Agency’s most significant and inspiring platforms, fostering connections between Jewish communities globally and communities here in Israel to build a stronger, shared future. This year, Partnership2Gether celebrates 30 years since its founding.

Since the tragic events of Simchat Torah on October 7, the bond between Israel and world Jewry has proven to be crucial and powerful. Through the Hineni project, this partnership is expressed in an extraordinary artistic dialogue that places our shared story at the center. The stories of those we’ve lost tell the story of the Jewish people in these times. Amid great sorrow, there is also profound pride that words can’t capture, and a spirit of resilience and hope.

Since that unforgettable day, we need that spirit more than ever. Each fallen individual was a world of their own, and the work of documentation and commemoration is profoundly important—for the families and for all of us. We will carry forward the memory of those who shaped our path here.

The deep connections forged in this joint program strengthen bonds between Jews in Israel and their brothers and sisters around the world. It is an inspiring opportunity to create impactful meetings and uphold the commitment that underlies this essential relationship. The Hadera-Eiron partnership embodies this commitment and, through the Hineni project, powerfully expresses the unity, pain, and hope that bring the Jewish people together in these challenging times.

Doron Almog, Major General (Res.) Chairman of the Jewish Agency

Dear friends,

Since October 7th, we have been living in an altered reality. What gives us strength, support, and hope is our Partnership2Gether family and friends from our nine Southeast cities in the U.S., our beloved Hadera-Eiron region in Israel, and Prague, Czech Republic.

The Hinneni Art Project was born out of a deep sense of solidarity, love, and hope. Created to honor the lives of the heroes we have lost since that tragic day, this project sends a powerful message to the families: we stand together as one people. Through countless hours spent meeting with families via Zoom, the artists volunteered their time and talents to get to know these individuals, lovingly illuminating the lives of those taken too soon. Each piece celebrates their extraordinary spirits and ensures their stories live on.

We hope that you find this exhibit heartwarming and impactful, as we have. May it show how the Hinneni artist exchange has profoundly touched our communities, bridging our grief with the strength and beauty of memory. As the exhibit travels across our Partnership cities, may we all draw inspiration from the resilience and extraordinary legacy of those we honor here.

Our deepest gratitude goes to everyone involved in the Hinneni Art Project, especially the project committee from our Southeast communities and Israel, Ravid Fleisher, P2G Coordinator, Shimrit Orgal, P2G Director, as well as all the artists and families.

We warmly invite you to join us in the many programs, zoom gatherings, and exchanges we offer through Partnership2Gether. We hope you find this space one where friends become family and new connections are forged, building living bridges across the globe. We value your engagement with our Partnership2Gether and look forward to all we’ll share.

Am Yisrael Chai.

Allison Jacobs - USA

Alon Kloss - Israel

Partnership2Gether Co-chairs

Hadera-Eiron, Southeast US, and the Czech Republic

SARGENT FIRST CLASS (RES.) AVICHAI AMSALEM z”l

of the south and exposing terrorist tunnels.

30 years old, from Hadera, Avichai was the son of Gabriel and Ruth, the younger brother of Shira-Emuna and Liraz. He was married with three daughters, one of them born after his death.

Sargent First Class Avichai Amsalem served in the ‘Kfir’ Brigade during his military service and then insisted on transferring to the IDF reserve commando unit. When he was finally transferred to the Flamming Arrows Brigade, a reserve commando division, no one was happier than him. Avichai fell in the ‘Iron Swords’ war during a confrontation with terrorists at the Sha’ar HaNegev junction, defending the residents

Avichai studied at the ‘Tachkemoni’ elementary school in Hadera and then continued his education at the ‘Noam’ yeshiva in Kfar Saba. After completing high school, he was determined to serve a full three-year military service, but before that, he studied for several years at the ‘Shavei Hevron’ yeshiva. After completing his military service, Avichai worked at Elbit Systems, an Israel-based international military technology company and defense contractor, where his sharp mind and creative problemsolving abilities shone.

Avichai was an outstanding electrical engineering student at Ruppin Academic Center. During the last two years, he and his family served as house parents at the ‘Talpiot’ youth village in Hadera, providing a family framework for a group of at-risk teenage girls.

Avichai was a blend of keen intellect and a sensitive heart. On the one hand, he was sharp and quick-witted, and on the other, he was empathetic and skilled in conducting conversations and discussions in a way that neither circumscribed his own truths nor dismissed the truths of the other party in the conversation.

May his memory be blessed.

Avigail Shreim Top Left

Avigail, 39, married and mother of two. She was born and raised in Hadera, and chose to make the city her home. Today, when she gives workshops to both young and adult artists, she strives to pass on the same sense of respect and love for art that she learned from her mother to her workshop participants.

ABOUT THE ART

In my creation, I painted with acrylic colors and added texture with American putty. Above the piece, I wrote a verse in memory of Avichai, using pen and ink. I was inspired by the story of Avihai who grew up in the city, was educated in the religious sector, and was a member of the Bnei Akiva youth movement where I was also brought up with the same values.

The “Hinneni” project is for me a meeting point between my art and my connection to the Jewish people throughout the world. In this project, we - artists from Israel and around the world - unite to commemorate the victims of October 7th. I see this project as a meaningful way to remember and memorialize the fallen through art, which is an international language understood by all.

But this project is not just about commemoration. For me, it is also a way to strengthen ties with the Jewish communities around the world. The connection with world Jewry reminds us that we are part of a large and cohesive family, which despite the physical distance, is united in our desire to remember and commemorate those who are no longer with us. This project allows me to connect with Jewish artists and get to know them and their cultures through art. In the “Hinneni” project I find myself surrounded by artists who have chosen to dedicate their time and talent to this cause, and it is a great privilege for me to be a part of something so big and meaningful. I feel a deep connection to world Jewry, for whom art is a way to express the memory and respect we have for the fallen.

Carolyn Gora Bottom Left

A retired art teacher, from Fort Myers, Florida, who is involved in her art and Jewish communities. Currently she serves on the boards of the City of Fort Myers Public Art Committee, the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, Temple Beth El-Fort. Myers, and the Alliance for the Arts. She currently works in fiber, watercolors, fused glass, lamp work, and multimedias.

ABOUT THE ART

I had the honor of listening to Chief Sergeant Avichai Amsalem’s mother and sister. The portrait that they painted, with words, showed a multi-faceted man with many passions and dimensions.

I tried to encompass what I learned in my multi-media portrait. The sky has sewn attributes. The first line says - son, brother, husband, father. The second line says – wunderkind, engineer, musician, soldier. And the last line says - a man of grace, religious, traveler, reader. The bottom half of the canvas has wheat, tied with blue embroidery threads that match the sky, and a photo of Avichai peeking out. He was killed on October 9th, in a field of wheat.

His mother said, “He was a nature boy. While scanning for terrorists, he was probably admiring nature.” She felt that he was protecting the field with his body so his children could run in the field. At the bottom of the canvas is a set of drumsticks, wrapped in threads, symbolizing that he played the drums.

The sides of the canvas are the quotes from his family which read - The quote about admiring nature and Man of Grace is on one side. The other quotes are: ”The person who is big makes other people big and the person who is small makes people smaller.” “In a place where there are no men, try to be a man”. And, “When I help someone who has a difficult time it is not hard for me. When I help someone in pain then I am not in pain.”

TAMAR SAMET z”l

Tamar was 20 years old, from Pardes Hanna. Daughter to Ra’anan and Adi Samet, and sister to Noy and Nadav.

Tamar attended the Supernova Sukkot Music Festival in Re’im on October 7th, 2023, and was there during the terrorist attack in the south. She managed to escape to a shelter near Kibbutz Re’im, later all traces of her disappeared. Tragically, the family received the bitter news that Tamar was murdered by Hamas terrorists.

Tamar loved the sea. She was a surfing instructor at the “My Wave” (“Hagal Sheli”) association, where

she counselled youth at risk, teaching them to confront the challenges of the sea and waves. Sarit, a family friend wrote: “How much beauty and sensitivity there is in you. How much music you poured from your heart through your fingers on the guitar and ukulele, reaching the very souls of those around you. It was one of your greatest skills to express yourself through music, touching through music, loving through music.”

May her memory be blessed.

Tina Ritchie Above

Tina has self-published and collaborated in multiple comic books, shown large-scale oil paintings in galleries, as well as established her brand, Tina Isola. The Isola (or “Island”) is a universe in which dreams take form, beasts roam freely, and women are the fiercest beasts of all.

ABOUT THE ART

In my project I wish to convey not only her beautiful likeness, but also the beauty that she created and gave to the world with her music. My illustration is painted digitally, using a combination of somber greys, bright coral reds and turquoise blues. Her silhouette with a guitar will fade into a bright sunset over the ocean—Tamar’s favorite place—where she and her white Swiss shepherd descend from a rocky beach. Her likeness is implied, and her form intermingled with the clouds around a setting sun and coastal plants that sway in the breeze. The simple things she most enjoyed, music and nature, guide the process of

creation. By listening to her music and the music she loved, I hope to distill a bit of what she loved into this painting and convey a bit of the beauty brought into the world.

Jonathan Majburd Above

A long-time Oleh of 25 years, living in Kfar Saba. Following the events of October 7 Jonathan has been utilizing his AI skills to contribute to Israel’s public diplomacy efforts, by creating AI-generated caricatures about the war, the situation in the Middle East, and the world’s attitude towards Israel and Jewish communities, with a focus on antisemitism.

ABOUT THE ART

I am deeply honored to be part of the “Hinneni” project, which has allowed me to express my art and creativity with the necessary emotional depth on such a meaningful subject. As part of the project, I met the Moshayoff family on Zooml. The meeting, initially scheduled for one hour, ended after two and a half hours. Most of the conversation was with the mother of Rafael, of blessed memory, and took place in Spanish. It was an incredibly emotional meeting, during which I had the privilege of learning about Rafael—his hobbies, personality, worldview, and dreams—through his mother, in a deeply moving way.

Before the meeting, I made an effort to gather as many details as possible about Rafael, so I could create sketches for the memorial artwork. I presented these sketches at the end of the meeting, which deeply moved his family. The artwork I created using AI to commemorate Rafael, in a way, comes full circle with one of his dreams: to establish a tech startup in Israel, especially one related to artificial intelligence.

SERGEANT MAJOR (RES.) RAFAEL ELIAS MOSHIOF z”l

From Pardes Hanna-Karkur, 33 years old.

A fighter in Battalion 6261, he fell in a tough battle in the southern Gaza Strip. He left behind a wife and a one-year-old baby.

Sergeant Major Moshiof immigrated to Israel from South America in his childhood. The difficult situation at home led Rafael, in his high school years, to contribute to the family’s livelihood. Despite facing challenges, he completed 12 years of school after numerous efforts, even without a high school diploma. Despite the difficulty, he enlisted for combat duty and served in the Givati Brigade’s Paratroopers Battalion. In 2017, he was accepted into the Moshel program, assisting outstanding and determined young people from challenging socio-economic backgrounds

in obtaining a complex engineering degree. He completed his engineering degree in 2021 at the Ruppin Academic Center in Rehovot, excelling both in the preparatory course and in the degree itself.

After completing his degree, he began working at Rafael as a missile developer. However, he never forgot his past and, parallel to his work, served as a mentor for children in foster care, planting hope in them and instilling the belief that their future depends solely on them.

May his memory be a blessing.

NOAM SHALOM z”l

Noam was 25 years old, born in Hod Hasharon and grew up in Pardes Hanna, lived in Tel Aviv. She was the eldest daughter of Hadas and Tomer Shalom and sister to Gal, Lavi, and Keren.

Noam attended the Supernova Sukkot Music Festival in Re’im with Tomer, Bar and some other friends. On Saturday morning, October 7th, 2023, she called her parents to report on the situation. They heard gunshots in the background and had not heard from her since. Noam was a paramedic in the army, and in her last moments, she tried to help a gunshot victim who also attended the festival.

On Friday eve, October 13th, her family received the news that Noam was murdered by the terrorists together with her friend Bar Tomer Z”L, and her body was found in the ambulance area. On Sunday, October 15th, she was buried.

Neta, her friend, wrote: “You were a ray of sunshine. You radiated love into the air. Every evening you expressed gratitude for everything; for family, for friends, for the place you were in, and for me. With such a unique charm you attracted good things; you loved life so much.”

Another friend wrote: “A true friend who always sees the good in everything, who always knows how to appreciate and reminds all of us to think positively so that things will be good.”

May her memory be a blessing.

Karen Naim Top Left

Karen lives in Pardes Hana, where she runs her “GoART” art studio. It is a space for art, painting courses and a creative life. She mainly draws and photographs, while she also likes to combine materials in unique ways.

My successful collaboration with the wonderful American artist, Prof. Sam Hammer was both enlightening and supportive. We held many conversations which allowed for mutual sharing of our art, our feelings and together we pooled many ideas throughout the process.

ABOUT THE ART

Participating in this project has been a great honor for me. The project gave me an opportunity to search the creative possibilities in my life. Above all, it brought out of me a great passion and commitment to creation, which I haven’t experienced in my studio for a long time!

In my creation, I worked intuitively using information we received from the dear Shalom family. I was looking to present Noam in her life: authentic, beautiful, powerful and brave. It was a challenging encounter. In the end, I used what I had in the studio while organically combining Sam’s works, which he sent to me from Florida, the final creation took on the face of a treasure chest, just as Noam was a treasure.

Thanks to taking part in the project “Hinneni”, I felt the spirit of Noam Shalom, she became a part of me and motivated me. Thank you, dear Noam, for this opportunity.

Cherished angel, may your memory be a blessing, amen.

Samuel Hammer Bottom Left

Sam was born in Chicago, USA in 1953.Most of his life he painted in oils and for several years did ceramic sculpture. He started weaving during the pandemic on a “pin loom.”

Sam lives on two dunams of native subtropical jungle in the city of St. Petersburg, FL where he retired with his wife, Janet, after a long career as a botanist and biology professor (Harvard University and Boston University). In Boston, the couple raised their three children.

ABOUT THE ART

Since October 7th, I started weaving nonstop to commemorate the Fallen, driven by the goal to express my horror and sadness. To this end I used the lightest, most delicate colors and textures I could imagine as a way to accentuate the loss of beauty at the hands of depraved killers. My work was transformed during the Hineni project after meeting the family of one of the Nova victims, Noam Shalom z”l. Still using the lightest materials I could find, I started to weave joyously to commemorate the joyous life that was shared by her family. From this project I decided to make a series of woven panels, each unfinished (as the lives of our Dear Ones were unfinished), each as light as a breeze and as gentle as a pool of water.

The installation is named from a verse from the Piyyut

It is my wish that after the exhibition each family will take with them one of the panels as a token of my love and appreciation and carry with them this poem sent to me by a close friend in Israel to whom I gifted one of my woven panels.

LIEUTENANT RON ZARFATI z”l

22 years old, Ron was born and raised in Kfar Saba and lived in Hadera. She was the daughter of Erez and Limor and the older sister of twins Raz and Bar (20). Ron spent time with her boyfriend, Idan Hertzi, at the Supernova Sukkot Music Festival in Re’im, where both of them were murdered by Hamas terrorists.

Lieutenant Ron Zarfaty served as an officer in the security of the Air Force Control System of the Israeli Air Force, IAF 506. Ron was a warm and compassionate commander, seeing the people before her with both an educational and ethical insight. While attending school, she

was an outstanding student, a social leader, and a talented dancer. Ron loved to dance, laugh, have fun, and love. She embraced life - friends, trips, and parties. Her family was a significant anchor in her life. Ron loved all people, and her motto symbolized her and the love she spread in the world: “He who comes to love you, rise early to love him.”

On January 24th, Ron was expected to complete her service in the IDF. She studied for the psychometric exam for admission to Israeli universities, planned a big trip with her boyfriend, and wanted to study mathematics and computer science.

Tal Swaid, her dance teacher, wrote: “The girl with the golden hair, sparkling eyes, and a million-dollar smile. One that cannot be ignored when she enters the room. From the moment you entered the studio, I fell in love with you. Enchanting, dominant, talented, sharp, and mischievous. You had a look that swept everyone along with you. We spent many hours together every day; the studio was a second home for you, and you were like a daughter to me. You attended the lessons for all age groups, stayed long afterward to learn, help, and be a significant part of the studio. You were a huge part of my heart, a partner in action. Setting goals, and you didn’t give up on them. Difficulty was not in your lexicon. I called you “Duracell” because you never stopped for a moment, to achieve and do. Even when you were a little angry, it was with a smiling face. Ronush, your smile will forever be in my memory, your spirit is here with us, and it will remain forever. Love you.”

May her memory be blessed.

Jennifer A. Lewis Above

Jennifer Lewis is an artist based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Jennifer’s art focuses on Jewish rituals, stories, prayer, and history. She has experience in painting, pastels, paper cutting, ceramics, and quilling.

ABOUT THE ART

I am deeply honored to be part of the Commemoration Art Project “Hinneni” organized by the P2G Hadera-Eiron Partnership. My contribution to this initiative is dedicated to Ron Zarfaty Z”l, a vibrant young woman whose life was tragically lost during the Nova festival attack. Ron was a remarkable individual known for her infectious smile and unwavering joy. Her love for her friends, family, the desert, and mathematics was evident in every aspect of her life. With this artwork, I aim to encapsulate the very essence of Ron, who brought vibrancy and color to everything she touched. I had the privilege of connecting with her mother. Through her mother’s stories and cherished memories, I was profoundly moved and filled with sadness at the realization that this world had lost such a beautiful person. This piece transcends remembrance; it celebrates the enduring spirit of this remarkable young lady using the colors she exuded.

Ruth Lapidor Above

Born in Hadera, and 80 years old, Ruth is mother of three children and has eight grandchildren. She worked as a pension accountant for thirty years, and following her retirement, she served as the chairperson of WIZO Hadera for eight years as a member of the audit committee of Wizo Global for another six. At the same time, she served as a member of the steering committee of the Hadera Eiron partnership. Ruth paints for pleasure in acrylic - landscapes, realistic figures and also abstract paintings.

ABOUT THE ART

The late Eliran Abergil fell October 7th during the battle at Kibbutz Be’eri. Unfortunately, the late Eliran did not know that his wife Eden was pregnant at the time and has since given birth to a first-born son. His widow said, “I dream and feel that Eliran is looking down from above and knows everything.”

My painting is an expression of the intense emotions I felt following the conversation I had with his widow Eden. I thought about the beautiful landscape of our country that the late Eliran saw on the drive to Kibbutz Be’eri where his friends were murdered and their homes burned down. I empathized with the great loss and disaster that befell the family. I connected to the dream of Eden - in which Eliran looks down from above and knows everything, so I immortalized his beautiful smile at the top of the painting, looking down. Eliran liked to ride a motorcycle, so I drew him riding his motorcycle on October 7th from Tiberias in the north to Be’eri in the south.

MAJOR ELIRAN ABERGIL z”l

Age 29 when he fell. He is survived by his wife, a son born after his passing, his parents, and two sisters. He was born and raised in the city of Netanya. In 2016, he enlisted as a special forces officer in the Israeli Police. During the last year, he was transferred to the elite MATPA unit (Counterterrorism and Special Operations). Throughout his service, he completed numerous training courses and received certificates of excellence and commendations for impressive actions. He always strived forward, seeking engagement and defending the state. Values of leadership, humility, and love of the homeland guided him until his last day.

Eliran was a family man—caring, protective, and always spreading light, happiness,

and love. He was a unique individual with a big heart and boundless generosity. Both sensitive and tough, Eliran had charisma and personal charm that drew people to him. He was someone who could find hope even in the hardest moments, always lifting morale. His joy for life and deep faith accompanied him until his last day. He would often say, “He who believes, does not fear.”

The heroic story: On Saturday morning, Eliran was urgently called from the north. He left home with a smile, determined to protect the country and its citizens. Upon reaching the assembly point, he volunteered to be in the first force to enter Kibbutz Be’eri. Eliran drove an armored vehicle that sustained a direct hit from an RPG. Despite the hit, he was not deterred—he dismounted the vehicle, charged forward, and continued to fight courageously, eliminating many terrorists. Eliran was found near a house where hostages had been held and rescued. Around him, the signs of the fierce battle in which he fought alone with bravery were evident.

May his memory be blessed.

ASAF EDBERG z”l

May his memory be a blessing.

Asaf, 23 years old, son of Beranika and Amit, brother of Maya and Itai, grew up and was educated in the Hadera Weizman neighborhood. He studied at the Nitzanim School and Hadera High School. A native of Hadera and a child of the sea, Asaf Mordechai Edberg, may he rest in peace, was murdered at the horrific massacre at the Supernova Sukkot Music Festival in Re’im., together with his partner Stav Barzani.

Asaf was a surfer, living among the waves and loving the sea. A child full of sunlight, he had just returned from a surfing trip to Sri Lanka. He left behind many more dreams.

Dana Baharav Top Left

Sculptor, teacher, interior designer and landscape designer, Dana lives in Pardes Hana.

Dana engages in utilizing different resources, including recycled materials. Looking for the connection point where a piece of art becomes complete, whole, where a work of art is more than the sum of its parts.

ABOUT THE ART

I joined the “Hinneni” project during a particularly challenging time in my personal life. I devoted significant energy in finding the balance between the national pain and the personal - individual pain. Getting to know Asaf through the eyes of his mother and brother, I tried to find the delicate balance of making and dedicating a small work of art of my own - in his memory.

I hope that this piece which represents the values of giving and receiving will bring some solace and relief to his family. Via this sculpture, I hope to reach some of the feelings of the observer.

In memory of Assaf Edberg. A man of the Sea.

Sandy Archer Bottom Left

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Sandy has been drawn to color, pattern and texture since she can remember. Nature has always been a key player in her view of the world. She studied at the Art Institute of Boston for a year, but then had to get a job in order to support herself. She paints in acrylics, oils, pastels and charcoal. Her subject matter is varied, from landscape to portraits and still life.

ABOUT THE ART

It is my distinct honor to have been asked to participate in this art project memorializing Asaf Edberg, of blessed memory. After speaking with his mother and hearing her talk of her beloved son, I felt a kinship with him in a way that’s difficult to describe. I only wish I had had the pleasure of knowing him. Through the sparkle in his mother’s eyes, I saw a lover of life, family, surfing and the sea. I have titled my painting “Asaf and the Sea”. I have done several paintings of Asaf and with every stroke of my hand on his face, I feel his presence. I think of him every day now and of all those souls who were murdered and those still in captivity. May Asaf’s memory never be forgotten and always be for a blessing. And, once again, Never Again!

Under the canopy of a Live Oak on a Shabbat afternoon in Florida, I think of you.

You are a spirit of the Sea, born in Israel.

Now you belong to the Universe. And to me.

And to all who loved you.

I see you every day in my mind‘s eye.

I wonder how your future would have played out.

A son, a brother, a boyfriend, a friend to many.

One day, a husband, a papa.

They miss you. I miss you.

I didn’t know you.

I know you now.

October 7th , 5784 took your body away but not your spirit.

CHIEF SERGEANT MAJOR BORIS DANILOV z”l

34 years old at the time of his falling, grew up and was raised in the Beit Eliezer neighborhood in Hadera. He left behind a wife, two children, two brothers and a mother. After completing a year of national service, Boris enlisted in the Border Police as a special operations fighter in the Israeli Police’s MATPA unit.

In 2016, Boris received the Police Commissioner’s Medal of Valor for his excellence during an operational mission at Shaar Shchem in Jerusalem. He took part in numerous operations in Jerusalem, risking his life with pride and a deep sense of duty to his country, which he loved so much.

Boris held a bachelor’s degree in humanities and law enforcement and a master’s degree in Jewish studies from the University of Haifa, along with another degree in law from Sha’arei Mishpat College.

On October 7th, Boris was among the first to enter the battle at Be’eri with his unit in an armored vehicle to save lives. They encountered dozens of terrorists and fought heroically. Out of eight fighters, only one survived the battle.

Boris was a man of kindness and respect. In his humility, he achieved so much in life.

May his memory be a blessing.

Daniella Banyas-Rozen Top Left

Born in Israel 77 years ago, Daniela currently resides in Hadera. During her 35 years of work in the Ministry of Education, she taught hundreds of students and guided hundreds of teachers, instilling a love for the land and fostering social values that help us live well with one another. She has always loved painting and creating, experimenting with macramé, batik, stained glass, acrylic painting, and watercolors. Recently, Daniela discovered collage art and began creating pieces from recycled materials such as cardboard and bottles.

Dmitry Volkinshtein

Born in 1979, Dima draws with pencils, charcoal, and oil, working in both realistic and expressionistic styles. Originally from Ukraine, he immigrated to Israel with his family in 1990. Dima lives in Zichron Yaakov with his family and works in the high-tech industry. In his free time, he is involved in both painting and theater. Dima enjoys drawing portraits in charcoal on paper and oil on canvas, as well as creating expressive oil paintings.

ABOUT THE ART

The unthinkable happened on October 7th. I felt as though another Holocaust had occurred for the Jewish people, this time in our own country—something we could never have imagined happening since the establishment of the State of Israel. It feels like a nightmare I cannot wake up from.

My heart is with the murdered, the abducted, and those displaced from their homes and workplaces. The idea of expressing what I feel, experience, and think in an artistic way has filled me with deep emotion. As I worked on my creation, I tried to convey the unique personality of Boris Danilov, of blessed memory. After hearing the words of his widow, I felt his wonderful values, so close to my own.

Many times, I found myself choking back tears as I worked.

My piece is made of recycled cardboard and paper. At its center is a portrait drawn by Dima (Dmitry) Volkinshtein.

Maria Salikhov Bottom Left

Maria is an Israeli living in Prague for more than a decade. An educator and an artist, she has participated in exhibitions in the Czech Republic and other countries. Her works are in private collections in Israel, Germany, Russia, the USA and Czechia.

ABOUT THE ART

The events of October 7th shattered my whole life. Being away from my home and my people who suffered a tremendous tragedy was unbearable. I was happy to be presented with an opportunity to commemorate a hero who gave his life to save others. After talking to the widow of Boris, I wanted to create a portrait that would convey the essence of his character: light and happiness that he gave to those around him. I Hope it is seen in my work.

DORON BOLDAS z”l

Doron was a resident of Gan HaShomron, 34 years old, who was murdered at Supernova Sukkot Music Festival in Re’im.

Written by Doron’s sister, Shai: “You can never forget my brother Doron; he stays with us in our daily lives. We remember his phrases, his cynicism, the calmness that was uniquely his, the way he would say ‘well’ when everything was okay, and his constant nonchalance...

I, the whole family, and those close to him who knew Doron, know what a loss this is. And then you remember the person he was and you’re filled with optimism, and even chuckle.

That’s Doron—full of optimism, endless inspiration. We will always remember you.”

Tehila, his close friend, mourns: “Dubi,” as we affectionately called Doron, was the household chef. We worked tirelessly with friends and family to find clues about Doron’s whereabouts. When the terrible news arrived, she wrote, “These are the hardest words I’ve ever written, our beloved Doron you were such a dear person to us. We found some comfort in thinking that you were kidnapped which was probably the lesser evil of this reality. Perhaps we imagined you on the pickup truck. Perhaps you were there, but not long enough to reach safety, where we could still rescue you. And now we received the news that created this huge hole in our hearts. Sitting here in the office for the past two days, I see you sitting across from me, lighting another cigarette and telling me, ‘Today, we were ballistic.’ (Hebrew – “Hayom Anachnu Til”) Every event we planned, you repeated that same phrase, meaning that you are prepared. You were always prepared. But not this time. Our hearts are broken. We can’t talk about you as if you’re not here.”

May his memory be a blessing.

Ilan Eshchar Above

Residing in Katzir, Ilan entered the 3D art world before retiring about five years ago. Today he is engaged in graphic design, from modelling to 3D printing.

ABOUT THE ART

I was exposed to the subject of this exhibition by a call to the community at large. The traumatic events of October 7th made me want to express the shock to which I was exposed to and which I felt, like every citizen in Israel, through the art tools I had at hand.

Doron’s sister, Shai, shared with me the story of Doron’s kidnapping and murder. She told me about the food truck that his family set up at the Gan Ha’Shomron junction and dedicated in his memory. This food truck serves smoked meat sandwiches just as Doron would have served if he were alive.

I followed three different routes:

1) I designed two pictures that express two feelings about Doron. One, anger and trauma for the cruelty he experienced, and the other hope and light that will open with the feeling of hope itself.

2) A photo cut and burned with a laser based on Doron’s photo, which is displayed in the exhibition.

3) A billboard that will direct road travelers to the food truck dedicated in his memory at the entrance to the community of Gan HaShomron.

CAPTAIN ARIEL TOPAZ z”l

Ariel Topaz, the son of Hadas and Gil Shlomo, and brother to Adi, Tal, Rotem, and Shira, was a young man with deep values, respect for others, kindness, and a purity of heart unique to him.

On November 26, 2018, Ariel enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and served in the Intelligence Corps. Ariel fell in a terrorist attack at the Nir Zvi Junction on July 24, 2024, at the age of 24. He was killed after offering his seat at the bus station to a pregnant woman, an act that saved her life and the life of her unborn child from the vehicular attack.

Avital Cohen Aharoni Above

Multidisciplinary artist. Graduated with a master’s degree with thesis in the artist-teacher-creator track. Oranim College. Bachelor’s degree from the Institute of Art. Oranim College.

Mother of three’ resident of katzir.

ABOUT THE ART

Captain Ariel Topaz, of blessed memory, an intelligence officer, was described by his family as a radiant sun, a child of celebration, a prince. He was a person who always did the right thing, whose moral compass was clear, and he followed it both in life and in death. In the eulogies his parents gave, two songs were quoted: “Sometimes the Celebration Ends” and “Fly Away, Little Bird” (“Uf Gozal”). These two quotes served as the foundation for the inspiration of the artwork.

The piece features broken glass in sunset colors, with a sun at the moment when the middle watch kisses the third. The broken glass is fused onto new glass. The mending of the shards and the use of a gold contour relate to the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where the repaired break is considered valuable and meaningful. The hand seems to accompany the flight of the little bird, its movement resembling a wing.

Although this is now a time of parting from the sun and the bird has flown towards its destiny, tomorrow morning still awaits, when we will begin anew.

His mother, Hadas, eulogized him:

“My love, my beautiful boy, those who knew us know how deep our connection was. You are on your way to a better place, another place. In your death, as in your life, you were a prince. You saved two lives in Israel, a woman and her unborn child. You always did the right thing. You gave and received unconditional love in your 24 years. We were so lucky to have you, and now, go on your new journey. My child, my little bird, spread your wings and take flight on your new path. I will always be here for you.”

His father, Gil:

“Ariel was a very special child. Ariel was a celebration. And sometimes, the celebration ends. The middle watch kisses the third. Get up tomorrow morning and start again from the beginning. Ariel, go on your journey, and we will meet again.”

May his memory be a blessing.

MAJOR GAL SHABBAT z”l

A younger brother to Coral and an older brother to Liam, Gal grew up in Katzir. He was the commander of the Haredi paratroopers company in the 202nd Battalion of the Paratroopers Brigade.

On May 15th, Gal was critically wounded during battles in the Jabalia refugee camp while shielding his soldiers with his own body. On May 19th, after fighting for his life, Gal passed away from his wounds at the age of 24. Gal loved the land of Israel and every person, no matter who they were, and he was deeply significant to many. He was like a father to his soldiers, who called him “Abba

Shabbat” (Father Shabbat). Most of his soldiers were lone soldiers who had come to Israel from abroad or Haredim (ultra-Orthodox) who had no home to return to after enlisting. Gal took care of all their needs while training them to become fighters, never giving up on any of them despite the challenges they faced.

Gal had a great love for the sea; he enjoyed kite surfing and free diving. He loved nature and took every opportunity to travel, both in Israel and around the world. Gal’s heart was like the vast ocean—broad, full of surprises, and endlessly kind to everyone who crossed his path. He always prioritized the well-being of his soldiers and cared for them in every situation. On the day of the battle, Gal led with dedication and determination, with courage and bravery, but most of all, with unconditional love.

Some of the sayings Gal often used were: “Pain is temporary, but pride is eternal,” and “If you succeed despite the difficulty, you’ve conquered every challenge in life.” Gal was a man with ambitions, a person with vision and clear goals, but above all, a person of integrity, humility, and a heart of gold. On one hand, he was stubborn, steadfast, and a top-tier warrior, and on the other hand, he had an enormous, brave heart with no ego. Gal was not only a commander but a true friend. Gal was a true hero, a king of the land.

May his soul be bound in the bond of life.

Tara Spil Top Left

Tara is a contemporary and representational artist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. After studying fine art, she developed a career in the non-profit world. Her work is often touched by human experiences in society and around her. Tara’s work has been supported by the Arts and Science Council, the North Carolina Arts Council, and the Blumenthal Endowment. During 2022 and 2023 she was awarded several public art opportunities with Charlotte SHOUT and the Charlotte International Arts Festival.

ABOUT THE ART

My work for the Hinneni project is for fallen soldier, Major Gal Shabat, 24. In learning about who Gal was from his mother and sister, his love of country was made clear. They described him as a strong and brave leader of his unit. I wanted to create a work of Gal with his unit, to symbolize their closeness, and used imagery from a video his family sent. He is wearing a hat, with his arms around his fellow soldiers. His mother shared that he also took his unit to plant trees following trainings so you will find a tree freshly planted in the foreground. The right side of the painting is the Israel trail, where he wanted to hike following his service. The bottom left is texturized to look like waves, because he loved the ocean. The tree, the waves, the land and the line of soldiers coming to speak with him are all metaphors for Gal’s unending strength. The strength and perseverance he showed is not gone because it will continue to live on through the soldiers he trained, the trees he planted, and the waters he enjoyed.

Avital Cohen-Aharoni Bottom Left

Multidisciplinary artist. Graduated with a master’s degree with thesis in the artist-teacher-creator track, Oranim College. Bachelor’s degree from the Institute of Art, Oranim College.

Mother of three, resident of Katzir.

ABOUT THE ART

Gal Shabbat, of blessed memory, was an officer and a gentleman. His soldiers called him “Father Shabbat.” He was their commander, but also served as a father figure, demonstrating one of his meaningful examples by planting a tree. Gal loved the sea and the air; he surfed, dived, and skydived. He cherished his family—his parents, siblings, and partner. I noticed that Gal embodied all the elements: wind, earth, water, metal, and fire. I tried to include all these elements in a single work, through the things that brought him happiness, as revealed to me through photos and videos shared with me.

The central part of the artwork is a landscape carved from wood. A tree with exposed roots and branches made from woven black metal wires, with colorful beads at the tips. While creating this part, I kept thinking of the verse, “He shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season” (Psalms 1:3). The beads symbolize the spiritual fruits of Gal’s tree, but to me, they also represent Ilana’s kubbeh that Gal loved so much and frequently asked her to prepare. In my sketches, it’s called “Ilana’s Kubbeh Tree.”

In the upper left corner, there is a light blue wooden beam with a shoreline made of sand that I specifically brought from the Israel National Trail (“Shvil Israel”), from the Arch Beach in Caesarea. This point on the trail is the closest to Gal’s parents’ home in Katzir. A relief of the sea with crashing waves, silhouettes of paragliders and birds in the sky. The bottom left part of the piece is made of cold porcelain with a linoleum carving print, inspired by a photo of Gal abroad where pigeons are sitting on his hand. This part hangs from the wooden beam above by parachute strings.

LAOR ABRAMOV z”l

Laor, son of Michal Halev and David Abramov, was born on February 12, 2003. He was a magical, sensitive, and unique child with an extraordinary love for music. He loved to laugh, make others laugh, and was a devoted, creative, and loving friend. When he was a year and a half old, his parents separated, and he lived with his mother. At age six, they moved to Pardes Hana, where his father David and his wife Roni later joined them. Laor lived between two loving homes. He was deeply loved and connected with both sides of his family, uniting them through his presence.

As he grew older, he was known as the “gentle giant”—almost two meters tall, full of sensitivity, humor, and love for people. He worked hard to fulfill his dream of creating music, becoming a DJ, and playing at parties. He loved making people happy and generously gave all he could. Laor also enjoyed cooking and experimenting with different foods.

On October 6, 2023, Laor went to the “Nova” music festival near Kibbutz Re’im with his close friend Tamar Samet and others. On Saturday morning, during the attack, Laor contacted his father, saying they were being shot at and he was heading home. At 7:40 AM, he sent a final message: “We are in a shelter, something terrible is happening, I can’t talk, we need to stay quiet.” Terrorists threw grenades into the shelter; two exploded, and the terrorists entered, killing and abducting civilians. Laor was murdered by the terrorists in the shelter at age 20.

Laor leaves behind his parents, two sisters, two brothers, and many friends and family who loved him deeply. The world lost a remarkable soul. His loved ones are heartbroken.

May his memory be love.

Sabo Taylor Diab Left

Sabo was born and raised in a Christian-Arab family in Nazareth. Growing up as a Christian-Arab-Israeli created a complexity in which I developed a distinct identity for each world. The world view of each identity was nourished by different sources, and the only common interface between them was me. Doubt was the primary means of communication between the identities, and today it forms the basis for exploring the multiplicity of identities in others.

Valentine Svihalek Left

A Belgian-American visual artist, educator, currently living in the Czech Republic. She comes from a blended family (Catholic and Jewish) which influenced her worldview, art, and her desire to build connections between people. Valentine founded “Art Connect Society,” an organization that curates exhibitions, hosts workshops, a podcast, and artist retreats. The society cultivates a global community of artists, with a special focus on women, mothers, and caregivers. Valentine’s work has been exhibited widely, from galleries and cafés across Europe, to the Jewish Museum in Prague, Kumst Brno, and CA Gallery Bratislava.

ABOUT THE ART

Our paths share commonalities in our blended experiences as world citizens and seekers. Valentine expresses through bright colors and details that recall memories, while Sabo leans into the shadows. A blending of light and shadows or light and dark… We sought to bring a layering that conveys the complexity of our nature, the good, the bad, the joy, the sorrow, the despair, and the hope that keeps us alive.

The content naturally evolved as Sabo crossed a playground that someone set on fire in his neighborhood. The melted colorful plastic and the smell of loss covered the air. Valentine felt purple and blues that were confirmed when we met Michal…

The setting, a playground, a place of joy and playfulness turned to ash, providing the natural setting for a reemergence of light and playfulness by Valentine to layer back in with marks based on Laor’s personality and spirit. A reminder… an honoring of a joyful and bright light, who sought to bring laughter and positivity.

LIOR ATUN z”l

Lior was 25 years old, a resident of Hadera who was murdered at the Supernova Sukkot Music Festival in Re’im.

Lior left behind her father Effi and her brother Netanel. She grew up and was educated in the Neve Hayim neighborhood, studied at the Nitzanim School, and attended the Multidisciplinary High School for Science and Arts. Lior is a graduate of the Maccabi Youth organization, where she volunteered, completed her bachelor’s degree in business administration, and worked in dog training. Lior also studied therapeutic dog training and is

an NLP Master Practitioner. Lior’s dream was to get married and start a family, and she also planned to establish a therapeutic farm that would assist autistic children through animal therapy.

May her memory be a blessing.

Austin Neal Center Top Left

Austin was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and from the early days of his childhood, developed a keen interest in art. Austin studied with several renowned artists and craftsman such as George Gabb, and ceramicist Sinclair Ashley, which led him to study in Florence, Italy. There, Austin fell in love with ceramics, Terra Cotta, Majolica and glazing techniques. Austin’s work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally, and is currently represented at Gallery 1401 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Austin is also the Public Art Collection Specialist for the City of Chattanooga.

ABOUT THE ART

Creating a piece of artwork to honor the memory of Lior Atun has been an honor. From meeting her family, researching, and learning about the person Lior was, as an artist to capture this is a very daunting task that I hope to do her honor. What I tried to convey with this work is how a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her, who cared about others, animals, people and her family made a lasting impact on those she touched. To honor Lior, I chose to find something personal and meaningful about her and settled on a tattoo she had on her bicep. I will be creating the shape of a bicep out of a ceramic tile with an image of a tattoo on Lior bicep I found from a picture of her on Instagram. The symbol of a tattoo on a bicep depicts strength and Lior possessed a strength like no other. The tattoo of an infinity sign starts with the word’s family and incorporates birds and a feather. After I finish the tile in the last firing, I am going to break the tile and use the ancient Japanese technique of repairing the tile by Kintsugi, using gold to fuse and fill the cracks. To take this beautiful piece of artwork and break it, like the loss of Lior has broken so many, and then to piece it back together is how I hope her family can piece their life back together just as we are all piecing our fractured lives back together after the losses due to Oct. 7th attack.

Karnit Zeiri Bottom Left

Artist and social entrepreneur, she breathes new life into materials to touch people’s hearts. At the center of her work are the stories of the kidnapped in Gaza. Karnit has led the “Hope Square” project in Hadera, an initiative that includes dozens of kindergartens who created thought provoking art exhibitions. Through her art, she tries to create an immediate emotional connection between the material and emotion, and to give children and the people around them tools to process their feelings and understand the complex reality.

ABOUT THE ART

My creative process began with gathering information about Lior. After deep conversations with Lior’s friends and her father, I realized how significant music was in her life. I chose to accompany her family in the art making process to bring to light what she loved and who she was. In particular, the song “From the Sweet to the Bitter” by the band KCG stood out, which she heard and sang constantly. Through this song, the friends said, Lior expressed her emotions and feelings.

I imagined Lior listening to music in every free moment, accompanied by her dog, Louie. My piece includes elements that relate to the things that were important to Lior - the music, her dog, and her experiences. I tried to combine colors, materials and accessories with Lior’s storythe complex path she took, the place she found in the Maccabi Hadera youth movement, and her constant search for what was right for her. My goal is to convey through this piece, her big and special heart, the heart that always saw everyone else before seeing itself. The art I have created symbolizes parts/moments of her life, feelings and memories, and aims to reflect Lior in every part of the art.

STAFF SERGEANT NETA BAR-AM z”l

Age 21 from Hadera, a soldier in Battalion 414, Border Defense Corps.

Staff Sergeant Neta, 21 at the time of his death, was the commander of the “Balloonists” squad (observation balloons) in Battalion 414 - Combat Intelligence, and fought and fell in battle at the Nahal Oz outpost. He was the son of Nirit and Liad, and the older brother of Ya’ala and Noga.

He grew up and was educated in the Neve Chaim neighborhood of Hadera and studied at Nitzanim School. In middle and high school, he attended the multidisciplinary

school for science and the arts, focusing on chemistry and physics.

An outstanding youth guide (Madrich Shelach) – he led the “Barkan” youth guides course in the Haifa district during his senior year of high school. He was a lover of people and animals, always surrounded by friends and family. A devoted LEGO enthusiast, his room was filled with display cabinets full of LEGO.

In the final photo album he created, he wrote: “Every journey is a story, and every step is a word. And when you reach the end of the road, you will know the whole story and the path you have walked.”

May his memory be a blessing.

Inbal Bar-Shalom Peleg Top Left

Age 52, living and creating in Kibbutz Magal. Inbal has been involved in visual arts for over 20 years, playing and working with a variety of materials, particularly drawn to simple and accessible materials found in every home. She is a passionate cat lover and published the book Every Day a Cat (which was also accompanied by a solo exhibition), featuring visual works alongside texts. She owns “Inbal’s Place,” a multidisciplinary art studio in the kibbutz, where she teaches workshops and ongoing courses. Inbal loves writing and combining visual and written creation. She is a lover of people.

ABOUT THE ART

Materials of a house. Cookies. Signs of cookies. smell. memory.

Tea bags, masking tape. Working with cheap and available materials, found in every home.

House. link. wire.

Mother and son; boy and cat; cat and me; circle. Imprints of cookies.

A balloon flies up, as if symbolizing infinity, the end, the unknown.

A set of connections. touching. Longing.

Just don’t forget. The memory of scents is the strongest of all..

The scent of tea and cookies. Smell of home; your smell.

This piece of art is in memory of Neta Bar Am. A charming and beloved young man, loved cats, loved his country. What a shame we didn’t meet in your lifetime.

Ellen Monen Bottom Left

Ellen is an award-winning and published graphic artist based in Franklin, Tennessee, USA. She specializes in conceptual branding and identity design through her business – SeeMeDesign. In January 2024, Ellen founded “The Star of David” – a collaborative art passion project made up of over 215+ artists and creatives – @starofdavidartists. She uses her skills, layered on top of artist’s work, as an avenue to educate –presenting the reality, past and present, of Israel and Jewish life.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

This piece was created for Staff Sergeant Neta Bar-Am’s family, may his memory forever be a blessing. The art and poetry were inspired by a conversation with Neta’s mother, Nirit. Neta was a lover of cats and Legos, both of which hold a significant place in his family’s collective heart since his passing. When he called his mother in his final moments to tell her he loves her, Neta requested that his family keep these aspects of his life alive. It is one way they hold him in their physical reality.

A very special cat appeared in the family’s life soon after Neta’s departure. This living cat is reminiscent of another cat in the Bar-Am’s lives — a Lego cat project that they were sculpting for Neta. This cat, in the living, just so happened to also love Legos. The work expresses the story of this tuxedo cat and its symbolic connection to Neta.

The illustration was created digitally and includes layered elements from Inbal’s work – expressing a deeper message, as the two works are reflective of one another. The cat walks in through the darkness as the balloon floats off into the light, representing the fleeting life of Neta. The cat and the balloon share the same light, aura, and glow.

It has been an honor to be a part of this process with Neta’s family –such a brilliant, vibrant, creative, silly, fun, intelligent-beyond-his-years, beautiful, young man whose love for his family is deep, everlasting… and whose heroic actions serve his love for humanity as he stood in the frontlines on October 8th, resulting in many more Israeli lives saved. I sincerely hope that this piece lives a long life in the Bar-Am family. If it becomes even half as special for them as the creative process has been for me, I consider it a success.

STAFF SERGEANT NISSIM KACHLON z”l

Nisim Kachlon was 21 years old from Hadera, a soldier in Battalion 435 of Givati, who was killed by enemy fire during an operation in the Al-Amal neighborhood in Khan Yunis. He is survived by his parents, Galit and Gabriel, and two sisters and a brother. He was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Hadera.

Rabbi Almog Wagner, head of the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva in Hadera where Nisim studied, eulogized him: “Beloved Nisim, No, we are not shocked. We are surprised. We miss you. And above all, we are proud. From a young age in the yeshiva, you dreamed of meaningful service. You dreamt of serving in the Israeli

Shayetet (marine commando). There were many difficulties, but you didn’t give up easily. [There is] a deep longing for your good eyes, for your big heart, for your immense and caring nature. Concern for mom, for family, and for friends. And we are proud. In whom you are, and in the great privilege of being with you during significant stages of your life. Proud of the mighty warrior you became. Proud of your values and your willingness to go forward for the sake of the people, the land, and their sanctity. We are not shocked because whoever goes forward, whoever puts his heart above all in war - may pay a price. And we, the dear family left behind, the friends and the yeshiva community, the staff and the platoon members, and the friends from Ulpana, we already miss you. Praying for the consolation of Zion and Jerusalem. Waiting for victory, redemption, salvation.”

May his memory be a blessing.

Ayelet Gad Above

Living in Harish, Ayelet is an artist, painter and art teacher. In her art, she works mainly with driftwood and wooden boards on which time is evident. She is drawn in her work to the familiar image of a house with a triangular roof, which has always fascinated and excited her. She combines her curiosity and love for old trees and the house image, for its old objects and the memories they contain.

ABOUT THE ART

While working on my piece to commemorate the life of fallen soldier, Nisim Kahlon, I felt the need to work on an old wooden panel with an accurate and simple collage painting that tells the story about the special person who I got to know through the love of his family. A man of high morals who helped those in need, respected his parents, his fellow soldiers, his country, the army and everyone he met along the way. A person who fulfilled the verse “Love your neighbor as yourself” with all his heart. Nisim was a man who sacrificed his life for his country and his friends. I hope to honor his memory through this work.

Bob Barancik Left

An award-winning painter, print maker, and video producer. For the last 45 years, much of his creative work has been inspired by postholocaust themes. Bob received an M.A. from the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University, and dual degrees in fine arts and architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design.

ABOUT THE ART

I had considerable apprehension before meeting with Perach on Zoom. How do you talk to a mother about the death of her wonderful soldier son so soon after the fact? Nitzan’s life was so full of youthful promise and now it is gone.

Perach, and her family, raised a selfless fighter and protector of Zion. I am beyond grateful. My output of about 41 mixed-media photo collages were created in about 15 hours over three days. They are small and meant to be held in one’s hands. The imagery just poured out of me. I can only hope that the folding book, cards, and small prints give Perach and all Nitzan’s loved ones some consolation.

SGT. FIRST CLASS (RES.) NITZAN SCHESSLERR z”l

21-year-old Nitzan from Hadera, was a fighter in Battalion 7155, part of the Gaza Division’s Spearhead Unit (55).

He fell in the southern Gaza Strip.

Nitzan left behind his mother Perach, father Erez, and sisters Shai and Shir.

He served in the reserves from the first day of the war.

His mother: “They explained to us that they were clearing a building, and he was with two other soldiers, exposing themselves in order to cover for other soldiers, probably from a missile or rocket. The terrorist set up an ambush and shot at them. Nitzan took a bullet to

the neck and was killed.”

“He was a sweet and handsome boy who loved life. Smiling endlessly, he loved to enjoy. After his release from the army, he flew abroad for a ski vacation and then took a short holiday with his girlfriend. He wanted to experience life, to travel the world,” his mother added. “It’s unbelievable that he won’t come back to us anymore. I prayed that God would watch over him. I told him, ‘Don’t be a hero, come back to us healthy and whole.’”

May his memory be a blessing.

STAFF SERGEANT YOGEV AHARON z”l

staff Sergeant Yogev was 20 years old, the son of Amir (of blessed memory) and Noamah. He was a combat fighter in the Golan Brigade’s 51st Battalion, and a resident of Pardes Hanna-Karkur.

A high school graduate of ORT Haklai Pardes Hanna, Class of ‘93.

The school’s website mourned him with the following message: ‘ORT Haklai Pardes Hanna is shocked and in pain over the premature death of Sergeant Yogev (Yogi) Aharon, who fell in “Operation Iron Swords” during an encounter with terrorists. Yogev was a graduate of the school, Class of ‘93, a charming young man who loved

life so much, gone too soon. Our hearts are broken. Rest in peace.’

May his memory be a blessing.

Tamar Dan Top Left

Wife, mother, grandmother and painter, she lives and works in the village Katzir. In my work, the local and Israeli nature and landscape are reflected in many of her pieces. As Rabbi Nachman of Breslav said, “Every herb has its own special song.” In her work, she tries to discover this special poetry through visual skills and share this experience with the viewers.

ABOUT THE ART

Thanks to the “Hinneni” project, I got to know Rachel Tzouriel from Prague, my partner in this project. Together we tried to get as much information as possible about Yogev Aharon, the fallen soldier from the 51st Golani Brigade. I am writing this because it seems to me, from the little I have learned about him and seen on social media, that being a fighter in Golani was very significant for Yogev (My husband was also a Golani officer).

During my work on the project, I made several drawings and sketches. The piece shown is based on a photo of Yogev and his fellow soldiers in Golani, with changes and adjustments made by me. The message of my creation is “Brotherhood of Warriors” and includes various symbols - the oak tree of Golani, local flowers known as “the blood of the Maccabees” as well as symbols in the form of animals found in our Ancestral chapter 5

Strong as a tiger, and light as a hawk, and runs like a deer, and hero as a lion, (to do the will of our Father in heaven).

I hope that through this work, we can bring some comfort to Yogev’s family. I believe that Yogev would have been satisfied with the respect that the work shows regarding the values against evil and the close brotherhood and strength of spirit of Golani.

Rachel Tzouriel Bottom Left

Grew up in Prague, Czechoslovakia, surrounded by the history and culture of Europe. Rachel is Israeli and lived a significant part of her adult life in Safed, Israel, where sheI worked at a communal studio. Now, living again in Prague, she works on her art in her spare time, on her kitchen table with pencil, markers, acrylic also mixed with gel structure.

ABOUT THE ART

Taking part in the Hinneni project has given me an opportunity to once again work in a large format. It turns out this is possible, in spite of my limited space. My Israeli partner helped me locate a photograph of Yogev Aharon Z”L from Facebook, where he is with his four fellow soldiers.

While working on my art piece, I regularly discussed our progress with my Israeli partner. This was not a suitable time to connect with the Aharon family. I found both inspiration and encouragement for my art through our project’s WhatsApp group.

The name Yogev means in Hebrew - farmer, tiller, the one who cultivates and also the good field which can be tilled. In creating my piece, I worked with the meaning of his name, the photograph and with the overall theme of the project. I used the European 20th century style to express my feelings and my (and our) blue heart. My favorite color is the Prussian blue, and for me, the most suitable style for expressing the reality of war is surrealism. Out for respect for the Aharon family, I worked in expressionism- symbolism, with hope that through this, I can communicate my sympathy for the loss of their son, brother... loved one.

Yesher koach to all of you who gave me, us, Hinneni.

MAJOR (RES.) ARYEH REIN z”l

39 years old when he fell, a talented and brave tank crew member. He left behind his wife Michal and three sweet daughters: Shaked, 9 years old, and Gafen and Carmel, twin girls who celebrated their 6th birthday just six weeks before he fell.

Major Aryeh was called up on October 7th and deployed to the southern region. When the forces began entering Gaza, Aryeh insisted on being part of the team. On December 24, 2023, Aryeh decided to lead the charge as the first tank in a mission to rescue hostages. The unit encountered an ambush, and his tank was hit by two missiles. Aryeh, strong, brave, and kind-

hearted, was killed on the spot, along with his talented gunner, Nitai Meisels, leaving us heartbroken and missing him deeply.

Aryeh was a man who loved and was loved. A modest, kind-hearted person who knew everything about everything, loved puzzles and history, and never left things for tomorrow. He loved music and traveling, but also really loved being at home.

May his memory be a blessing.

Tova Horvitz Above

Artist and creator, born, raised and still living in Karkur. Since her retirement in 2011, she embarked on a renewed journey into herself, an awakening and awareness of the inner self that felt a strong urge to bring things out in colors.

ABOUT THE ART

I was assigned to commemorate Aryeh Rein, whom I got to know from the memorial site made by his family. It was clear to me that I would not paint a portrait lest I depict him wrong, and then it happened… I arranged the colors that I felt like using that morning and my hands just danced on the canvas. One abstract after another, and another, all the while I had the feeling that Aryeh was accompanying me while working. At the end of the day, I stepped back and looked at what my hands had done. The main motifs that caught my attention took place in the work. The colors were a mix of emotions from sorrow and sadness to a kind of joy, and hope.

Aryeh’s widow, Michal, particularly loved ‘The Lion Loved a Tank’

Tova Horvitz Above

ABOUT THE ART

When I was asked to commemorate Yehuda Geto, I read what family members and friends wrote about him.

At one point I realized that a unique man with a golden heart fell for the security of his country.

Consciousness was formed on a “golden man” to whom we owe our lives. We salute you, Yehuda Your memory is a blessing.

SERGEANT FIRST CLASS YEHUDA GETO z”l

22 years old at the time of his fall.

Was born in Pardes Hanna, the son of Mollaline and Natro, and the brother of Tal, Sarit, Reuven, Andualem, Avital, Esther, and Ofek.

Sergeant First Class Yehuda was a combat driver in the Menashe Regional Brigade. He completed his regular military service in January but was immediately called up for reserves due to the Iron Swords War. Yehuda fell during an operational activity near Tulkarm on June 1, 2024.

Yehuda was an incredible young man, full of life and wisdom, with a kind heart and a sense of humor that always made everyone laugh. He was sensitive, with beautiful,

kind eyes that saw the good in everything. One of his most prominent qualities was his boundless love for others. Yehuda always took care of his parents, never wanting to burden or worry them. He loved life and made the most of every moment- he

loved going to the beach, listening to music, playing soccer, and made sure to attend Torah study sessions with friends every Saturday night.

May his memory be a blessing.

SERGEANT ORI LOCKER z”l

19 years old from Pardes Hanna. Son of Orit and Eyal, twin brother to Tamir and older brother to Elad.

Ori served as a soldier in the 51st Battalion of the Golani Brigade in the Gaza border area on Saturday, October 7, 2023, when a report came in about terrorists infiltrating the Zikim area. Upon receiving the report, Ori and his comrades immediately set out to block the terrorists from entering the nearby settlement of Netiv HaAsara, which was close to the route. After about an hour of a heroic battle against hundreds of terrorists, where they were few against many, Ori and two of his comrades fell.

Ori came from a family of elite fighters. He hadn’t expected to end up in Golani, but after hearing a lecture from Baruch Ben Yigal, a bereaved father, about his son Amit, Ori changed his mind and knew that this was the right place for him.

His mother shares: “He was a pure 19-year-old boy with many dreams, who loved this country so much. He was full of life and just wanted to live it to the fullest. Ori loved music very much and taught himself to play the guitar by learning to read sheet music on his own. He also actively played soccer and was a huge Maccabi Haifa fan. He had a girlfriend named Mika, and they had big dreams together for after the army. He wanted to travel with her to South America and always told her that if he made it through his service alive, they would get married.”

His twin brother shares: “Ori loved life so much—staying out until morning, laughing, hiking in nature, listening to music at full volume in the car. We did everything together—played soccer, had mutual friends. In school, we were in the same class.”

May his memory be a blessing.

Rachel Stern, Franklin Above

Rachel is a portrait artist, primarily working with oil paint, pastels, pens, pencils, and charcoal. She draws inspiration from baroque art, particularly the interplay of darkness and intensity. It is comforting and symbolizes many Jewish themes, with the most obvious being the power of light amidst darkness.

ABOUT THE ART

I have spent long hours carefully working on Ori’s portrait, feeling a profound sense of responsibility and honor to accurately represent him. Each mark felt like a heartfelt tribute to his memory, akin to saying kaddish. Although I never had the chance to meet Ori, his story has deeply touched me, and it has been an emotional journey to capture his heroism on canvas. I hope that my portrait will offer solace to his family and serve as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary life. My thoughts and prayers are with Ori’s family, all those affected by the events of October 7th , and the courageous IDF soldiers who continue to protect their homeland.

“I leave you my portrait so that you will have my presence all the days and nights that I am away from you.” — Frida Kahlo

Scott Rittenbaum Above

A self-taught artist. Scot’s approach to his art is influenced in part by his experience with his family’s journey, having lost his daughter, Leann, to cystic fibrosis (CF) in 2019, and his strong attachment and appreciation for life. Working primarily with acrylics, oil sticks, watercolor and oil pastels on canvas, panel and paper, Scot applies these media with both abandon and thoughtful application.

ABOUT THE ART

My process primarily involves:

• Allowing myself to feel as much empathy as possible for Hallel and his family.

• Recognizing that I am largely an intuitive artist.

• Approaching this project with the respect and gratitude for the heroic actions of Hallel on October 7th, the full and zestful life he led before then, and the dreams he had for himself.

I created a painting on canvas utilizing acrylic paints certainly incorporating lively colors. And added some subtle colors and soft lines to create a place for respite if the family needs a place to center themselves for a quiet moment.

STAFF SERGEANT HALLEL SHMUEL SAADON z”l

Fallen at the age of 21, son of Elad and Devorah, brother to Tamir, Nevo, Sahar, and Orel, and partner of Liora.

Staff Sergeant Hallel Shmuel was a soldier in the Orev Nahal Unit, serving as a lead marksman and team navigator. His team was stationed at the Sufa outpost along the Gaza border, where they spent Simchat Torah. At around 6:30 AM, the outpost was attacked by a barrage of rockets, and within minutes they were surrounded by dozens of terrorists. Hallel, alongside his commander and other soldiers, fought at the front gate until they could no longer stay due to crossfire and grenades. They retreated to a shelter and continued fighting from there. Hallel chose not to enter the shelter, instead standing guard at

the entrance to protect his comrades inside. He fought there until he fell.

Hallel, with his radiant smile, had a heart of gold and endless generosity. His friends, teachers, and commanders all said he was always willing to help, never afraid of hard work, and gave generously to everyone. Whatever Hallel did, he did with all his energy and to the best of his ability. In doing so, he fulfilled many dreams – he became an expert in the world of horses, was a professional rider, riding instructor, and horse trainer. He was also highly skilled in woodworking and created beautiful art.

After high school, he did a year of community service at the “Tene Yarok” farm in the Jordan Valley, where he worked as a shepherd, on the farm, and even learned to train shepherd dogs with his own dog. Despite the hard work, he said, “I’m living the dream.”

A phrase Hallel lived by: “If you can dream it, you can achieve it.”

May his memory be a blessing.

BAR TOMER z”l

Bar was 25 years old, originally from Kibbutz Ein Shemer and resided in Tel Aviv. She was the eldest daughter of Nili and Eyal Tomer. She was a sister to Aviv and Moran.

Bar attended the Supernova Sukkot Music Festival in Re’im with Noam Shalom Z”L and Rotem Erlichman.

On Saturday morning, October 7th, 2023, she called her parents to report on the situation. Later, she sent a message to her family: “I am in the south; we have been under terrorist attack for two hours. I love you all. I will update you on what is happening. The IDF has arrived, and we are trapped.” She also sent her location in the Re’im parking lot.

During the first week when she was considered missing, her family had gone to the south daily to look for her. On Saturday, October 14th, they received the bitter news that Bar was murdered, and her body was found near the ambulance in the Re’im parking lot. She was murdered by the terrorists, together with her friend Noam.

Bar was looking forward to the beginning of her second year as a student at Bar Ilan University, studying a multidisciplinary degree in the social sciences with a focus on management and psychology. She also worked in a recruitment and placement company, preparing many people for job interviews. She volunteered as a lecturer through “The Center for Volunteer Lecturers”. In the last year of her life, she worked as a human resources coordinator at the Elkonin Hotel in Tel Aviv.

Sarit, her NLP teacher, wrote: “I remember so many significant moments of you. The sensitivity alongside the strength. The love for people. The beauty of your soul. Your sociability. Your warmth. Your ability to learn and grow with determination. Even out of fear.” Bar, with her many gifts, will forever stay 25.

May her memory be a blessing.

Mark Yudell Above

Living in Pardes-Hanna Karkur, and Born in Syracuse, NY (1956), Mark grew up in an art and music loving family, and made Aliyah with his family in 1973, when he was 16. After graduation, he studied at the Vrije Academie Voor Beeldende Kunsten in Holland as well as the Bezalel Academy, and was an assistant to Moshe Saidi (architectural ceramics). A major creation of his is on permanent exhibition at the Israel Knesset.

ABOUT THE ART

The approach which I felt would be the most appropriate was to include the family in the process. During our first meeting at their home, I suggested that we meet at my studio and let the creativity with clay be a conduit of expression. A week later during a conversation with Nilli, she suggested another meeting to further explore. Perhaps just the surface had been scratched and by digging a little deeper we would discover more, each person on their own personal journey. I wanted to be more of a technical advisor with minimal intrusion on this sensitive issue. So, for me it’s more about their path of healing and the end result will be a manifest of that journey.

Ravid Fleisher Above

Ravid is an independent musician and creator residing in Karkur. After a career as a lawyer, she moved to Karkur and today works as the Relations Coordinator at the Hadera-Eiron Partnership and teaches music to children. Her approach to art is intuitive.

ABOUT THE ART

Agam’s unique, unforgettable eyes captured me right from the start as I went over her childhood photos with her aunt, Mariel. They guided me in my creative process. First, a white blossom of the Plumeria tree appeared on the page—Agam’s favorite flower, as I was told. In the eulogies I read, people described her as a “flower child,” someone who loved plants, nature, and water. In Buddhist tradition, the Plumeria flower symbolizes eternal life, as the tree can continue to bloom even after it is uprooted, just as Agam continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

The colors for the background were inspired by her name, Agam—deep blue, reflecting her depth, transitioning into a shade of purple, a color that felt connected to her. At the center of the painting are two figures, expressing Agam’s compassion and her capacity to embrace, as well as her desire to help and care for people dealing with mental and physical challenges. I painted Agam as an angel, as that’s how she was in life.

SERGEANT AGAM NAIM z”l

Agam Naim, 20 years old, fell in combat on September 17, 2024. She was a paramedic and a fighter in the 401st Armored Brigade, Battalion 52 of the Armored Corps. Agam lived with her family in Kibbutz Mishmarot and was the first female soldier to be killed during the maneuver in the Gaza Strip.

Agam was a child who brought light to every place she entered, always surrounded by friends, each of whom had a special place in her large heart. She made everyone feel as if they were the most important and closest to her and was a source of advice and care for their souls. Her father, Dudi, shared in his eulogy that when Agam was about two years old, she asked to help him while he was working in the garden. To keep her occupied, he asked her to weed

a small patch of sand. After a few minutes, she told him, “I finished, but I left one very small plant because it’s tiny and pitiful, and it hasn’t had a chance to live yet.” Her father said he didn’t know what to marvel at more—his two-year-old daughter’s ability to speak or her incredible kindness.

Agam excelled in everything she touched, always striving to be the best she could and living a life full of goodness and meaningful actions. From being a guide in youth movements, mentee at a boarding school, dedicating herself to friends and family, a year of service at a post-hospitalization boarding school, volunteering with Magen David Adom, to her significant service as a paramedic in a maneuvering brigade— Agam always made time and space for everything. She was a curious girl who loved to explore and try new things: hiking, art, reading, but above all, she was a people person who loved deeply.

A phrase that guided her life: “If it’s possible in the world, it’s possible for me.”

May her memory be a blessing.

BAR SHECHTER z”l

compassionate heart, impossible to resist.”

Son of Sabin and Aryeh, born in Kibbutz Reshafim, brother to Carmel. He was married to Ya’ara and father to Sol (9) and Rom (2). The family later moved to Katzir, where Bar attended Katzir Elementary School and Gvanim High School in Ein Shemer.

His mother Sabine said: “Bar was an amazing child who had the ability to embrace everyone without judgement. He was gifted with emotional intelligence. He loved life, loved the people around him, and loved nature.”

His father Aryeh shared: “He was a child with a huge,

After his studies, Bar pursued music, which became a significant part of his life. He believed music could spread goodness. As a DJ and creator, he called himself “DJ Syloopo” and was particularly drawn to fast-paced trance and forest music, which incorporates sounds of nature. Bar played at many festivals, including the Nova Festival, where he opened the event.

His wife Ya’ara said: “He was a very caring, present, attentive, and involved father... an amazing person with a huge heart, very social, accepting everyone with a smile and without conditions. He had deep, meaningful friendships, some lasting since childhood. He maintained relationships with people of all ages. That was very strong in him. He taught me the true essence of friendship. We always said we won the lottery. We often spoke about the privilege and grace we had in finding such a loving, supportive, and accepting home in one another. A oncein-a-lifetime love.”

May his memory be a blessing.

Mike Wirth Above

Visual artist, digital experience designer, and muralist, best known for his thoughtful murals, public art installations, and client-driven commercial design work that focus on major social justice issues and his identity as a Southern, Jewish-American. Over the past 20+ years, Wirth’s murals, published

works, and digital museum exhibits have appeared in New York, Miami, Charlotte, NC, and internationally in Croatia, Poland, France, and Israel.

ABOUT THE ART

Bar was a beacon of joy, known for his ability to unite people through dance and celebration. In creating this artwork, my goal is to capture the essence of who Bar was—someone who brought light and life to those around him. The portrait I am crafting will be a vibrant and joyful reflection of Bar, surrounded by the energy and movement that he so passionately shared with others. I had the privilege of meeting with his family on Zoom to learn more about him. Through the use of bold colors and dynamic compositions, I aim to convey the vibrancy of Bar’s life and the joy he spread. Hinneni—here I am, ready to remember, celebrate, and create in Bar’s honor.

Yehudit Moscovich Right

Rachel’s mother and Yaron’s partner. JudeI lives and breathes Pardes Hanna. She works as a photographer and graphic designer, editor and media manager and is part owner of a place for culture in Pardes Hana called “The Lounge”. She has been photographing for three decades, mainly fashion and image art photography. She loves the fine line between analog and digital and the development of technology in the world of media and AI.

ABOUT THE ART

The whole creation process was strong and powerful from the moment Daniel and I decided to create together. We knew even before we were informed, that the piece would commemorate the life of Bar Schechter.

The initial feelings that came to me from the moment I started imagining the work were the immense sadness I have been feeling since October 7th - this is the Shabbat that taught me what pain is. I’ve never felt like that before. When I first met Bar’s family in a digital Zoom meeting, I felt that wordless pain. There is no need to say anything, everything is sitting in front of you and looking you in the eyes and it is clear that this is such a painful thing. I cried a little towards the end of the meeting, when things softened, and we opened our hearts, and I felt a huge privilege to deeply touch the wound that is still bleeding and try to help and heal it through art.

Daniel and I met with Sabin, Bar’s mother, Solly and Rom - his children, and Yeara his widow. I photographed them and felt my heart expand. Every smile and laugh we managed to produce gave me a feeling that it will be okay, that we are here laughing and smiling, strong and wise despite all this unbearable pain. The photo we chose is full of smiles and joy - for a moment I imagined that he was literally there in the room and wrapped them in a huge hug.

After we chose the photo and printed it, Daniel worked his magic and drew the character of a bear next to the family, like an angel surrounding them. This is the most powerful family portrait I have taken in my life.

Daniel Haziza Right

Born in Mitzpe Ramon in 1994 and currently lives with his family on the hillside of Katzir. He paints and sculpts in various mediums. The main inspiration in his work is drawn from ancient or classical cultures and the worlds of life and fantasy. He’s been painting since forever, and sculpting since the age of 15. Over the years I have worked with acrylic paints, water, ink, etc., pencils, oil paints and more. In sculpture, I make use mainly of wood, stone, iron, and found materials.

ABOUT THE ART

One clear night after a basketball game, I was hungry and went to “The Traklin” in the artists’ stables complex in Pardes Hanna, hoping that they would serve a hamburger there that night. There I met Judy, one of the managers of the place. We talked a bit and showed each other our art works and thought of setting up an exhibition together (painting on photography) that related to the current war.

A few days passed and Judy mentioned to me the “Hinneni” project, hoping that we could collaborate. We met for a brainstorming session and thought about a concept for the exhibition. At that same meeting in the lounge, the project coordinator talked to Judy about commemorating the late Bar Schechter and meeting his family. I saw this as a strange coincidence, because I knew Bar personally very well - he and his family are good friends. The situation is daunting, and the energies of these days are not easy. But the conversation with Sabin and Yaara and the process of creation and photography in the studio left me with a good feeling, and in addition to that, Rom and Sol, the children in the family, put a smile on our faces.

About my relationship with Bar: The late Bar was a good friend and neighbor who worked with me in my family business (transportation). I always had fun in his company. We talked about music, art, philosophy, spirit and the psychedelic world of plants and their effects on man - mental and physical, from which man learns and benefits. Bar would always lift the atmosphere with his energies, in the difficult moments at work, he was such a wonderful human being. We used to laugh a lot, this special laugh of his is engraved in my memory. He had a silly spirit and yet also could listen and understand conversations at higher levels. Tragically, Bar is no longer with us. I hope he’s doing well up there.

Hinneni

CAPTAIN ALON SACAGIU z”l

Aged 22 at the time of his fall. He is survived by his parents, Doria and Erwin, his siblings,

Amit and Ariel, and his girlfriend, Sharon. Alon was born and raised in the city of Hadera.

Alon was an exemplary student, and a beloved friend. He played basketball for Maccabi Hadera, and flew model airplanes as part of Hadera’s aviation club. Alon served as vice-chairman of the student council, chairman of the Ethics and Legal Committee, and was a counselor and instructor in a youth movement.

Alon served as a fighter and sniper in Team 90, fought in the Judea and Samaria, and assigned as the commander of the sniper team.

After his death, his family found a note on Alon’s mobile phone, which he wrote in November: “I believe in actions and in doing things. I believe I did everything I could to protect the people and the place I love most. Be people of action, not of words. Always remember—no question marks, only exclamation marks!”

May his memory be a blessing.

Natalie Steinberg Top Left

Originally from New York, Natalie currently lives in Tennessee, where she works as an audiologist. She has recently found her passion in working with resin epoxy and creating three-dimensional art pieces. She enjoys making jewelry, trays, Judaica gifts, and memorial pieces, and incorporates a lot of different additives into her work, including stones, crushed glass, shells, pressed flowers, and photographs.

ABOUT THE ART

I am extremely honored to be a part of the “Hinneni” art project. Through this project, I have met amazing fellow artists - including my partner, Tal, who creates beautiful paintings and works on three-dimensional surfaces as well. We had the honor to meet with the family of Alon Sacagiu, a soldier who fell in June of this year. I felt very inspired talking with Alon’s family and learning about the incredible person that he was. Alon was caring, generous, loyal, a good friend/son/brother, and brave beyond words. We learned that Alon loved building and flying kites, DJ’ing music, teaching and inspiring others, and making coffee. I hope to truly capture his soul and incredible personality in my work.

Tal Bracha Bottom Left

Tal is a mother of five and married to Koby. She is an architect and interior designer. She creates from diverse materials, some recycled and found. She sculpts and paints on everything including walls and designing backdrops. She deals a lot with body, pregnancy and face paintings – all living and breathing as well as three-dimensional paintings.

ABOUT THE ART

The creation process of the special exhibition “Hinneni” began with the understanding that we can build a bridge with artists on the other side of the world. We can combine different styles, unfamiliar materials and together we can create a unique piece of art for a bereaving family. Getting to know Natalie - my partner in the project was fascinating, and together we decided to gather information about the fallen soldier, Alon Sacagiu..

I made efforts to get closer to those who knew him and gather information about Alon in order to create a memorial and a work of art that would commemorate him and embrace his memory. We found through conversation with his family what an amazing person he was – easy-going on the one hand, but also responsible and brave. We learned that Alon cared for everyone and had many sides to his personality. He had numerous hobbies, loves, and was a noble soul.

In my work, I want to give the feeling of Alon through his objects and passions, through his special presence and how he influenced his surroundings.

SERGEANT YINON TAMIR z”l

Aged 20, from Pardes HannaKarkur, fell in the Gaza Strip on November 19, 2023. Yinon was the heart – of the family, of his friends, and of his team. He made everyone feel like they were his best friend. Yinon had a magnetic personality. Yinon was the salt of the earth, a lover of the land who studied and explored the history and heritage of the Jewish people, its sites, and battles. Yinon had a deep love for music and songs of all kinds. Everysong he loved, he would learn the lyrics immediately and would even study the songwriters in depth. The song “Lail Chanayah” by Natan Alterman, composed by Yair Rosenblum, was particularly

loved by Yinon. On his gravestone, the family chose to inscribe a significant and illustrative passage from the song, which encapsulates

Yinon in every aspect: “He speaks of love, that is how he begins...” because he came from love, from family, and from friendship. This also drove him and his comrades in the war, and the continuation is “He speaks of love, that is how he begins, and of duty and battle and burden, all in all...”

May his memory be a blessing.

Juli Bobman

Juli is an artist from Fort Myers, Florida, whose work is deeply influenced by the cosmos and the divine order of the universe. With a belief that the universe is perfectly measured by God, Juli integrates sacred geometry and astrology into her work. Juli works across various mediums, including watercolor, oil paint, spray paint, and figurative realism in charcoal.

ABOUT THE ART

Shani Louk

“She is light”

A shining star, creative, she is light, never ending.

The physical form is no longer here to hug and love, look into the silhouette, imagine the empty space is you.

The aura surrounds and is no longer contained it sparkles and dances and catches more light, her soul lives forever in the Flower of Life. Look into the southern sky you will find the constellation of Aquarius. She is of those stars and beyond.

Milan Kuzica

For several months now, Milan has been burdened by a feeling of helplessness

His work is sculpture, and this is how he can express a personal expression of respect; respect for the deep grief of someone who has experienced a severe personal loss, the death of a loved one.

ABOUT THE ART

Milan Kuzica’s work expresses existential questions and complex interpersonal relationships that shape and even deform a person. It expresses the functioning of the contemporary world, which we are surrounded by and which we are often unable to perceive in its often-cruel form. Kuzica uses classical techniques in his sculptural work, but he also works with his own developed materials.

Rami Uriel Palombo

Rami is a multidisciplinary artist, aged 63. He creates with an intuitive approach. This includes sculpting and glass casting, painting, digital art, and writing. Rami has been working with glass since 1988, and has been involved in planning and design commission projects for architects and the private sector. Rami explores through painting the source of inner emanation of symbols and images that come to expression through Asemic writing, which combines calligraphic images “letters” and text without phonetic meaning.

ABOUT THE ART

The digital work “Broken Angels” symbolically depicts the journey of the souls of the murdered and fallen. At the forefront of the work is a multifaced angel, half-human and half-bird, whose body is covered in flowers. He is the gatekeeper between the world of the living and the world of the dead. The angel symbolizes hundreds of young people who, in one moment were celebrating life and in the next, were brutally murdered. Including young soldiers as well as married reserve soldiers who fell while serving their country and left behind a pain and deep void that cannot be filled. Unwillingly they became “Broken Angels.”

The work uses ethnic and religious symbols: Muslim geometry, the seven candles of the Jewish menorah, a boat on the riverbank, and the starstudded sky of the Milky Way. These symbols hint that the horrific events and the destructive war that followed, whose impacts echo around the world, reflect a cosmic struggle between great and powerful forces that sow destruction and claims victims from all sides. A struggle between light and darkness, between good and evil, that has been ongoing for many centuries and whose end is not in sight.

Marganit Erez

A sand sculptor and photographer, Marganit lives in Pardes Hanna. She has been sculpting in beach sand and documenting the process through photography since 2019. In recent years, she has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in Israel and abroad. In addition to her art, Marganit also works as a group facilitator and parent counselor.

ABOUT THE ART

Grief is one of the most difficult experiences a person can endure, if not the most difficult. It is a topic that is inaccessible and rarely spoken about in our culture. The intensity of the pain and the empathy it evokes often create discomfort and confusion for those trying to offer comfort. People don’t know how to approach the grieving, what to ask, or what to say. The awkwardness, helplessness, and fear of confronting death often lead to avoidance and distancing, just when the grieving person most needs comfort.

That’s why, when I encountered a questionnaire on grief in the style of Sorry for Asking, created by Adva Avramovich, the mother of Noam Avramovich z”l, a lookout soldier murdered in Nahal Oz on October 7th, I was deeply moved. The way she made death an approachable subject for the public, turning it into something we can talk about, felt like a healing process that extended outward to many.

In my work, I chose to present a series of honest and open questions from teenagers that Adva sent me. I wrote the questions in wet sand, waiting for the waves to come. I recorded Adva’s voice to answer them. The impermanence of the letters in the sand simultaneously conveys the absence of the body (about whom the questions are asked), the presence of the soul with whom the dialogue still exists, the figure to whom the questions are directed—the mother, and the one asking the questions—the person seeking to connect but unsure of how.

The way the questions are written in wet sand and erased by the water symbolizes the transient nature of existence. The memory of the person remains with those who loved them, those who stayed behind.

With deep gratitude to Adva Avramovich, in memory and in spreading the light of Noam Avramovich, may her memory be blessed.

Petr Jedlicka

Academic sculptor, Brno, Czech Republic.

Graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 1978, majoring in sculpture. Petr has shown his sculptures and paintings in 30 solo exhibitions in the Czech Republic and abroad. He has participated in many collective exhibitions and in art symposiums in Bulgaria, Poland, Norway, Canada, Israel, Japan, Spain, Korea and Slovakia.

ABOUT THE ART

For the Hinneni project, I have created a series of paintings that reflect the tragic moments of October 7th. However, I tried to interpret the whole situation in a general manner. The first piece, called “Crying”, shows a little boy standing by his damaged toys and crying. The second painting, called “Bloody Tears”, depicts an old man at the very end of his life, who witnessed this terrible event. In the third painting, which is called “Defiance”, an old man is also depicted, but he has not reconciled to the tragic situation and expresses resistance and disapproval with a hand gesture. Even as an old man, he still wants to fight against violence. For these paintings, I used a mixture of techniques on canvas.

Quirin Jedlicka

Was born on January 31. 1953 in Brno, Czech Republic. Since birth, he suffered from cerebral palsy. Despite his health handicap, he graduated from the Technical University in Brno, Czech Republic. Quiriun is a poet and a painter. He has published 10 poetry collections. His paintings are represented in private and public collections in the Czech Republic and abroad. He has organized 13 independent exhibitions and participated in both international exhibitions and symposiums in the Czech Republic, Italy, Norway, and Bulgaria.

ABOUT THE ART

For the “Hinneni” project I painted three abstract paintings that were influenced by the horrors of October 7th. I based the work on the clothing worn by the victims on this horrific day. These are not specific persons, but I wanted to capture this tragic situation in an abstract form. The paintings are approximately 70 x 50 cm in size. The technique I used includes egg tempera on canvas.

Dear friends,

Since October 7th, our Hadera-Eiron Partnership communities have come together with extraordinary solidarity, embodying the very essence of unity and resilience. Our collaboration has extended beyond practical aid; it has embraced the emotional and creative realms, where healing is equally essential. It is in these moments of standing together, sharing hope and compassion, that we discover the strength to move forward.

This spirit has come to life most poignantly through the Hinneni (Here I Am) project. Forty-three artists from the Hadera-Eiron region and our partner communities in the Southeast U.S. and Czech Republic have forged a path of solace and expression. They have drawn strength from meeting with the families of the fallen—young individuals taken too soon at the Nova Festival and in combat. In sharing stories, creating art, and grieving together, both artists and families have found a profound sense of connection and resilience.

The Hinneni project is not only an art exhibition but a powerful statement of remembrance, love, and collective healing. It stands as a tribute to those who have been lost and as a testament to the unwavering support we extend to one another. In every brushstroke and shared moment, we reaffirm our promise: we are here, together.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took part in this project, contributed their time, and was willing to be part of this important journey.

With gratitude and strength,

Shimrit Orgal Partnership Director Hadera-Eiron, Southeast

US, and the Czech Republic

Acknowledgments

As we conclude this catalog, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the individuals who played an essential role in bringing this project to life. Your creative input, logistical support, dedication, and moral encouragement have made this endeavor possible and deeply meaningful.

Special thanks to:

Curator: Katya Korin, Ein Eiron

Graphic Designer: Ellen Monen, Franklin, TN

Graphic Designer: Limor Agassi, Pardes-Hanna Karkur

Project Coordinator: Ravid Fleisher

The Hinneni Project Committee:

Sam Hammer, Florida’s Gulf Coast – Committee Chair

Austin Center, Chattanooga, TN

Ann Treadwell, Chattanooga, TN

Karen Naim, Pardes-Hanna Karkur

Mark Yudell, Pardes-Hanna Karkur

Dorit Zini, Hadera

Shlomit Zimring, Kibbutz Magal

Rinat Assa - Grinberg, Kibbutz Barkai

Special thanks to the artists for your willingness to embark on such a profound journey filled with challenges and emotion.

To our dear families - your courage to share stories and experiences has enriched this project, allowing us to connect with your loved ones in an inspiring and deeper way.

Last but not least, without the commitment and collaboration of our partnered communities, we would not have been able to bring this vision to life.

Thank you all for being an integral part of this journey.

Partnership2Gether

Hadera-Eiron Region

Southeast US – Czech Republic