Memorial Space for Fallen Soldier Yishai Pitousi Created by Uncles
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
A memorial space named "A Place in the Heart" has been created on the balcony of William and Shlomit Ohana in Beit Haggai, honoring Sergeant Major Yishai Pitousi, who fell on October 7th. The space provides a gathering point for local youth and soldiers, equipped with amenities and activities. Pitousi's dream of creating a sanctuary for troubled youth was realized by his relatives after his death. Numerous other memorial projects also honor his memory.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A memorial space named "A Place in the Heart" was created in Beit Haggai to honor fallen soldier Yishai Pitousi.
- William and Shlomit Ohana established the space on their balcony, equipping it for youth and soldiers.
- Yishai Pitousi, who fell on October 7th, had a dream of creating a sanctuary for troubled youth.
- The initiative aims to provide a gathering place and support for teenagers and soldiers in the area.
- Pitousi was a fighter and commander in the Golani Brigade's 13th Battalion.
- Numerous other memorial projects have been established in Yishai Pitousi's memory.
In the quiet community of Beit Haggai in the southern Hebron Hills, a unique memorial space has been established on the balcony of William and Shlomit Ohana. This initiative honors the memory of Sergeant Major Yishai Pitousi, who fell on October 7th. The space, named "A Place in the Heart," is dedicated to his memory and serves as a gathering point for local youth and soldiers.
William Ohana, a resident of Beit Haggai for 27 years, renovated his large balcony to include comfortable seating, a ping pong table, air conditioning, a coffee machine, and various snacks and drinks. The space is also stocked with books and board games, fostering a sense of community and providing a refuge for young people and soldiers. The walls are adorned with dozens of photos of soldiers and teenagers, with a large sign dedicated to Yishai Pitousi.
Ohana explained that the idea for the space originated from his own daughter's difficult teenage years and the lack of youth activities in the settlement. He initially considered renovating an old bus but eventually decided to create the space at his home after his wife agreed. The initiative addresses the challenges faced by teenagers in Judea and Samaria, where dropout rates are higher than the national average.
Yishai Pitousi, a fighter and commander in the Golani Brigade's 13th Battalion, had dreamed of creating a sanctuary for troubled youth before his death. His parents discovered this dream after his fall, finding notes from his educator and friends detailing his aspirations. Yishai, who was evacuated from Gush Katif as a child and later moved to Talmon, struggled with his studies but persevered. He often stayed with his aunt Shlomit in Beit Haggai, where he helped with chores and engaged with her children.
On October 7th, Yishai was killed in combat near the Nahal Oz outpost. His parents, Inbal and Itzik Pitousi, endured a period of uncertainty about his fate before his body was identified. In addition to the "A Place in the Heart" project, numerous other memorial initiatives have been established in Yishai's memory, including friendship benches, literacy classes, and support for soldiers.