Families Mark Three Years Since 'Black Sabbath' Massacre at Ashdod Cemetery

On the eve of the Sukkot holiday, families of victims gathered at the Ashdod cemetery to commemorate the third anniversary of the "Black Sabbath" massacre, which occurred on Simchat Torah תשפ"ד (2023). A large number of bereaved families attended a prayer and memorial service at section "ש6" of the cemetery.

Rabbi Shneur Goodman, director of the Chabad House in Ashdod, and Rabbi Ovadia Dahan, chairman of the Religious Council, welcomed the families. Rabbi Goodman led a recitation of Psalms and the "Kel Maleh Rachamim" prayer in memory of those killed. Rabbi Dahan delivered an emotional address, emphasizing that the victims were murdered "solely for being Jewish" and pledging the Religious Council's continued efforts to honor their memory.

Rabbi Dahan urged attendees to perform good deeds in memory of the fallen, stating that remembrance should extend beyond physical presence at the cemetery. He also offered prayers for the safety of IDF soldiers, the recovery of the wounded, and a happy holiday for the people of Israel.

The ceremony included an "Ashkaba" (memorial prayer) led by Rabbi Dahan. Several family members, including Avi Hassidim, whose son Naor was killed, and Shlomo Elkabetz, whose daughter Sivan was killed, shared personal reflections and prayers.