New Sports Field Dedicated to Slain Boy at School Year Opening
A new sports field was inaugurated at the Ahvat Yisrael (Boys) school in Ramat Aleph, Beit Shemesh, on Tuesday, dedicated to the memory of Hillel Mordechai Dadon, a student who was murdered two weeks prior. Hillel was supposed to begin second grade with his classmates at the school, where he particularly enjoyed playing soccer. The renovation of the field was completed in time for the new school year and was a joint initiative by the mayor and the school principal to honor Hillel's memory and his love for the sport.
Hillel's parents, Amos and Tamar Dadon, attended the emotional ceremony along with other family members, including his brother Yosef Dadon, who is also a student at the school. Yosef kicked the first ball into the goal, symbolizing the continuation of life and the family's connection to the school.
Beit Shemesh Mayor Shmuel Greenberg stated that the entire nation of Israel has been strengthened by Hillel's parents and their faith. He added that the field would serve as a lasting tribute to Hillel's memory and that the city would continue to ensure his legacy lives on within the school and the community.
Hillel Mordechai Dadon was tragically stabbed to death in Beit Shemesh approximately two weeks ago. The suspect, Liel Ifargan, was arrested shortly after the incident and his detention has been extended. Police investigation revealed that the suspect had visited the vicinity of the victims' residence hours before the attack, spoke with the homeowner, and then returned to carry out the stabbing.
Hillel's father, Amos Dadon, expressed gratitude for his son and thanked the mayor, school principal, welfare services, and the entire Beit Shemesh municipality staff for their support since the tragedy. He stated that the new field, inaugurated with great sorrow but also hope, would embody Hillel Mordechai's joy for life, and expressed a wish to only meet for happy occasions in the future.