Or Yehuda Holds Memorial Ceremony for October 7th Attacks

Hundreds of employees from the Or Yehuda municipality, the "Nifgashim" company, the economic company, and residents gathered Tuesday morning for a municipal memorial ceremony commemorating the events of October 7th. The event was marked by community unity, shared deep sorrow, and remembrance of the fallen and murdered, alongside honoring the bravery of the security forces. Central to the ceremony was the family of Sergeant Major Amit Friedman, a fallen soldier who died in combat in the Gaza Strip. Fighters now educating in the city's school system shared their experiences from the battlefield: Shoham Golan, a teacher at the "Yuvalim" six-year school, and Asher Sabag, a teacher at the "Yadad" vocational high school. Former senior Shin Bet official Adi Carmi also attended. The ceremony was hosted by Dalila Ashkenazi, Director of the Education Division, and the "El Maleh Rachamim" prayer was recited by Cantor Raphael Hayoun.

Mayor Lihat Shohat stated that the October 7th events are a deep wound etched in everyone's heart, but from the tragedy and pain, the community's strength emerged. Shohat added that Or Yehuda's strength is measured by mutual responsibility and community resilience, which ensure the future and victory. Deputy Mayor Ofer Bozi also spoke emotionally, emphasizing the city's commitment to memorializing Sergeant Major Amit Friedman's legacy and standing by his family, noting that community resilience is the true victory. The ceremony included moving musical performances, singing, and dancing by local ensembles: the musical band from "Rimon" school, the Allegro MDC band from "Nifgashim," and the choir from the "Madaim V'Yahadut" elementary school.