Kiryat Shmona Businesses Honor Murdered Prison Service Officer with Tribute Song

Ahead of the second anniversary of the killing of Chief Inspector Yochai Avni, a prison service officer and dog handler, his mother Orly has released a commemorative song and video in his memory. Avni was murdered in a stabbing attack at his home in Givon HaHadasha on July 7, 2024, by a terrorist who had been imprisoned in the facility where he served.

Orly Avni wrote the song herself, basing it on her son’s last words and on his personal motto. The lyrics include his final reflection about feeling the cool air and wind he had missed from winter, and the refrain, “We all have limited time, we need to live, love and give thanks.” The song also repeats the line, “Every small moment is a great gift, every breath is a silent prayer.”

To bring the song and clip to release, small businesses and artists from Kiryat Shmona volunteered their work despite the ongoing war and difficult conditions in the north. The family told C14 that the effort came together quickly and without payment, saying the people of Kiryat Shmona chose to keep Yochai’s memory alive even while “missiles” fall overhead.

Avni’s family says the tribute is meant to honor a man who served the State of Israel for 20 years. The clip and song were released as the family marked the approach of the second anniversary of his death.