Gdera Kindergartens Renamed for October 7 Victims
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Gdera kindergartens are being renamed after residents killed in the October 7th attacks and subsequent war. The initiative aims to memorialize the fallen and pass on their values to younger generations through child-friendly displays.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gdera kindergartens renamed for October 7th victims.
- Initiative aims to memorialize fallen and pass on values.
- Illustrations and stories personalize the honorees for children.
- Families find the memorial meaningful and life-affirming.
- Ten individuals are being honored through the project.
In Gdera, ahead of the third anniversary of the October 7th attacks, a unique initiative is underway to memorialize residents who were killed at the Nova festival or fell in the "Swords of Iron" war. Each of the town's kindergartens will be named after one of the fallen. Beyond changing the signs, each kindergarten will feature a board with an illustration of the honoree and a soft, colorful description tailored for children, including a quote about their inspiring beliefs. The illustrations and designs were created by illustrator Ron Levin and designer Orit Laslau, following meetings with the bereaved families who shared personal details about their loved ones.
Nirit Mizrahi, mother of Raz Mizrahi, a Border Police officer who was severely injured during her service and later murdered at the Nova festival at age 22, shared her feelings about her daughter's kindergarten being renamed "Gan Raz." "It is much more meaningful to me than another stone or rock," she stated. "A kindergarten is a place with life and joy. It keeps Raz in consciousness, makes her present in the community, and allows her values to be passed on to the next generation."
Similarly, "Gan Kim" will be named after Kim Demti, who was murdered in a shelter in Raa'im at age 22. Her sister, Emily Demti, expressed that the naming "will keep her in memory" and that the illustration "really tells who Kim was, a woman of spirit, sea, and nature, who filled her surroundings with light."
In addition to Raz and Kim, the initiative honors Aviad Halevi (29), Staff Sergeant Guy Shimchi (20), Tomer Shapirer (37), Staff Sergeant Guy Karmiel (20), Tehila Kaatabi (31), Master Sergeant (Res.) Yaniv Yitzhak Oren (35), Staff Sergeant Liab Alush (21), and Major Tal Pashbilsky (Shaulov), 24. The project was initiated by Sahar Pinto, Head of the Gdera Local Council, who explained the goal was for Gdera's children to grow up knowing not just the names, but also the light and values of those who left their mark.