Widow of Capt. Uri Shani Marries His Former Commander in Moving Ceremony

Miriam Shani, the widow of Capt. Uri Shani, who was killed in the fighting at Kissufim, married Ofeq, Uri’s former commander in the Egoz unit, on Tuesday night. The outdoor wedding was described as a national moment of renewal and was framed by participants as a choice for life after the trauma of October 7.

The ceremony was led by media personality Yedidya Meir, who opened by referring to the couple’s invitation, which quoted the Jeremiah verse, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” He also recited the prophetic passage about rebuilding in the hills of Judea and Samaria and turning mourning into joy, saying the event reached beyond the personal into the national sphere.

One of the most emotional moments came when Yehoshua Shani, Uri’s father and founder of the Forum of Heroes, came forward to bless the couple. Fighting back emotion, he said, “After a period of pain and longing that have no words, we were privileged to see a new light enter our lives.” He added, “We prayed for this moment, we waited for it. May we all merit to see how a great light emerges from the darkness, and how the people of Israel continue to choose life, faith, and eternity.”

Yehoshua Shani had already announced Ofeq and Miriam’s engagement on Lag BaOmer, and last night he completed the circle by blessing them under the canopy with the words “May God make you joyful, beloved friends.” The ceremony was officiated by Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, the chief rabbi of Safed, and attended by family members and many friends from Egoz who had served with Uri and now stand with Miriam and Ofeq as they build a new home.