Bereaved Mother Responds to Online Taunt with Stark Reminder of Loss

Lali Deri, a candidate for the 'Am Israel' party and a bereaved mother, responded powerfully to an anonymous online user who mocked her in a social media post. The user, identified as 'Yisrael' on X (formerly Twitter), commented after hearing Deri's morning interview on Kan Reshet Bet radio, "Is there anything worse than hearing Lali Deri in the morning?" Deri, whose son, Sgt. Maj. (res.) Saadia Yaakov Deri, fell in combat during the Iron Swords War, replied with chilling brevity: "Yes. Knocking on the door," referencing the moment she was informed of her son's death.

In her radio interview, Deri had spoken about the intense pressure her party is allegedly facing to withdraw from the Knesset race. She described constant phone calls, signs posted near families' homes, and personal attacks, including the alleged desecration of her fallen son's memory. "A despicable campaign is being waged against us," Deri stated, "phones at all hours of the day and night, disgusting reactions on social media, signs in our communities, including near our children's school buses, all because we dared to offer something new." She added that opponents are using AI-generated images on signs and demanding their withdrawal instead of discussing their platform.

Deri also criticized Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for his reaction to Davidi Ben Zion's departure from the party, pointing to "gloating" responses on Smotrich's Twitter feed as an example of poor political conduct. She detailed how the pressure extended to her own community, with signs appearing near her synagogue, which she and other residents removed. Deri expressed frustration that opponents are not brave enough to confront her directly about her party's plans, opting instead for anonymous attacks and personal vilification.

Despite the emotional toll and anger, Deri emphasized her commitment to rational action. "I am not acting out of emotion, I am acting out of reason," she declared. "And even though I am angry, and even though I am hurt, and even though they have dragged my son out of the grave dozens of times to tell me how much I am betraying his memory, I am still using my reason."