Among the celebrants were twelve children who lost their parents in the most recent war – parents who fell with devotion and courage for the security of the nation and homeland.
The children and their families were welcomed by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites; Brigadier General Rabbi Eyal Karim, Chief Rabbi of the IDF; Adv. Zehava Gross Meidan, Chairperson of the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization; Mr. Shlomi Nahumson, the organization’s CEO; Col. Meital Samet Cohen, Head of the IDF Casualties Department; and Lt. Col. Rabbi Shoham Orkabi, Chief of Staff of the IDF Rabbinate.
The distinguished guests blessed the children on reaching the age of mitzvot and joined them in a heartfelt prayer for the peace of the State of Israel, the return of the hostages for burial, and the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces.
During their visit, the children took part in a variety of educational and experiential activities prepared especially for them by the guides of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. The Bar Mitzvah boys donned tefillin and were called up to the Torah, while the Bat Mitzvah girls held a moving hafrashat challah ceremony in honor of IDF soldiers. The celebration concluded with tours of the Western Wall Tunnels and the new “Gateway to Heaven” exhibit, which connects visitors to the story of the Jewish people throughout the generations.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation:
“It is both our duty and our privilege to host the Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebration for the children of IDF soldiers whose parents are absent because they sacrificed their lives for the security of the people of Israel. Here, at the Western Wall – the place from which the Jewish people have drawn strength and comfort for generations – we embrace them with warmth and love.”
