Rehovot Street Honors Two Young Women Fallen 77 Years Apart
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
The Israeli city of Rehovot has divided a street, formerly named after fallen Palmach member Hana Avraham, to also honor Shi Ashram, a 19-year-old IDF lookout killed on October 7. Both women died at the age of 19, separated by 77 years. The initiative, supported by both families, aims to memorialize their sacrifices for Israel. Additional tributes include a coffee cart named after Shi and an annual celebratory event inspired by the fallen soldiers.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rehovot divided a street to honor fallen soldiers Shi Ashram and Hana Avraham, both 19 when they died.
- Shi Ashram fell on October 7, 2023, defending the Nachal Oz outpost.
- Hana Avraham fell in the 1948 War of Independence defending Sdom facilities.
- The street was renamed with the consent of both families, connecting their legacies.
- Additional memorials include a coffee cart and an annual celebratory event for Shi Ashram.
- Hila Ashuri plans to create jewelry to commemorate Hana Avraham.
The city of Rehovot has renamed a street to honor Shi Ashram, a 19-year-old IDF lookout who fell on October 7, 2023, while defending the Nachal Oz outpost. The street, which was previously named after Hana Avraham, a Palmach member who fell in the 1948 War of Independence at the age of 19, has been divided. The western section, where Shi Ashram's family lives, now bears her name, while the eastern section retains Avraham's name. This division creates a unique intersection of two young women who died defending Israel, separated by 77 years but both at the same age.
Shi's father, Dror Ashram, initiated the effort to memorialize his daughter, initially offered a garden but insisted on a street name for lasting remembrance. After two years of persistence, the municipality proposed dividing the existing street. The family of Hana Avraham, through her niece Hila Ashuri, agreed to the division, seeing a profound connection between the two women's sacrifices for the State of Israel.
Shi Ashram, described as an outstanding and determined individual, had initially been accepted into submarine service but chose to become a lookout, reportedly seeking the most dangerous posts. Her mother, Shari Ashram, recalled Shi's unwavering resolve, noting her insistence on understanding her sector before considering officer training. On the morning of October 7, Shi warned her father of an impending attack, urging evacuation, but shielded her parents from the full extent of her danger.
Hana Avraham, also known as "Hanka," grew up in the nearby Givaton moshav and was active in youth movements before joining the Palmach. She was part of a settlement group that established Kibbutz Beit Ha'arava near the Dead Sea. After her fiancé, Yehuda Solomon, fell in battle, Avraham remained in the area, defending the Sdom facilities during the siege. She was killed in a plane crash while escorting a wounded soldier to Tel Aviv, just two months after learning of her fiancé's death, also at the age of 19.
The street renaming ceremony in September served as a full circle for both families. The Ashrams learned about Avraham's story, and Ashuri shared Avraham's legacy with the community. A preserved guard post from the War of Independence stands between the two street sections. Further tributes include a coffee cart named 'Shi-Shu' in memory of Shi Ashram and an annual "T-Party" event, a joyful celebration inspired by the soldiers' gatherings at their outpost, with this year's event scheduled to feature performers Noa Kirel and Yasmin Moalem. Hila Ashuri is also planning to create jewelry in memory of Hana Avraham.