Bnei Akiva Branch in Petah Tikva Dedicates New Torah Scroll to Murdered Youth Yimno Zalka

A moving ceremony took place in Petah Tikva to dedicate a new Torah scroll at the Bnei Akiva branch of Malbas in memory of Yimno Benjamin Zalka, who was murdered on Independence Day night while working in a pizzeria. The event coincided with what would have been Zalka's 21st birthday and served as a unifying moment for the entire branch community. Zalka was a longtime member, counselor, and youth coordinator at the branch, regarded as a central figure. His two brothers remain active members today.

During the shiva mourning period, Zalka's friends decided to honor his legacy by commissioning a new Torah scroll to replace the old one used for many years. Over recent months, they raised approximately 90,000 shekels for the project, with support from the Petah Tikva municipality, the Zalka family, and the "Menazichim" association. The dedication ceremony began at the Zalka family home with the final letters being written in the scroll, followed by a festive procession with singing and dancing to the Bnei Akiva Malbas branch, where the scroll was placed in the ark.

The event was attended by Zalka's family, friends, current and former branch members, branch coordinator Sapir Atlas, national Bnei Akiva leadership, Petah Tikva's mayor, and other guests. Yigal Klein, secretary-general of Bnei Akiva, remarked on Zalka's significant role and praised the friends for transforming their grief into a lasting tribute. He emphasized that every reading of the Torah scroll would keep Zalka's memory and values alive within the branch.

Zalka's murder shocked Israeli society and reignited concerns over youth violence. Sixteen teenagers have been charged in connection with the killing, with the main suspect accused of murder with indifference. To mark nine months since the murder and the fast of Tisha B'Av, President Isaac Herzog hosted the Zalka family at the President's Residence, focusing on calls to combat violence and strengthen mutual responsibility in Israel.