12 | APRIL 18 • 2024 S ix months. It’s been six months. Six months have passed since that terrible Saturday in October when the State of Israel and the Jewish people were stunned by the brutal attack of the Hamas terrorist organization from Gaza on our civilians. Six months since the national disaster struck the State of Israel and, within it, a personal family tragedy of mine. Six months that my family and I have been learning to live with the terrible, unimaginable loss of Ilay — my little brother. Ilay was the heart of our mish- pachah — everyone’s favorite brother, loved by all who met him. The one who always ends every argument, with whom everyone agrees. Our source of pride and admiration, the smart, funny, friendly young man, that I will always remember as a 2-year-old toddler with curly bright hair and big smiling eyes. Ilay fell in battle against Hamas terror- ists in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on Oct. 7. He went to protect civilians, families in the kibbutz that were being slaughtered and burnt alive in their homes. He was killed in a fierce battle against terrorists, along with three of his friends — Hadar Kama, Amir Tzur and Tal Cohen. And so many others died that day … What a loss, such a disaster. Six months since we experienced this unimaginable pain as we pray for our hostages — Israeli civilians and soldiers who are held captive by Hamas in appall- ing conditions, without any humanitarian organization checking their condition and verifying their well-being. For most of them, their families haven’t received any sign of life since Oct. 7. Six months that an entire country tries to go on with their lives, while their hearts are held captive in Gaza. A DAY OF MOURNING Every year in Israel, we commemorate the National Memorial Day — Yom HaZikaron, a day of mourning to honor the Israeli soldiers who lost their lives defending Israel and the victims of terror. On this day, the entire country unites with the memory of the fallen, those who fought for us and protected us, and those who were victims of the wars and terror by our enemies. This is a difficult and special day. There is a feeling of unity as everyone comes together in national grief. This year, Yom HaZikaron will be espe- cially difficult in Israel, because so many have become bereaved families. Every single person in Israel knows someone who was killed on Oct. 7. There are so many stories of heroism and courage, so many painful and unbearable losses, of civilians and soldiers of all ages and back- grounds. We have been grieving for six months nonstop — and it seems that everything is building up to one impossible day of sadness and suffering. At least if we had reasons for optimism — to see that this war is near its end, that the hostages will soon be released and return home to their families … But, unfortunately, it feels like our sorrow only grows, and it becomes very difficult to find hope and comfort. That is why this year — more than ever — we need each other, our families, our friends. We need to find comfort and strength in the Jewish community itself. To unite around the memory of the fallen — to strengthen one another and grow stronger together. Please join us on May 12 for a Community Vigil for the Fallen, orga- nized by the Michigan Board of Rabbis, Friends of the IDF and the Jewish Federation, as we gather as a united com- munity to remember the victims of Oct. 7 and the soldiers lost in the ongoing war. This solemn, heartfelt vigil is our chance to ensure their memories are cherished and their sacrifices are not for- gotten. We will hear a story of bravery and loss from our guest speaker Yadin Gellman, an IDF elite unit hero who was severely wounded on Oct. 7, fighting in Kibbutz Be’eri. Please plan to attend by registering today. The location of the event will be shared with those who reg- ister. Register at jlive.app/events/7617. LIOR ZISSER-YOGEV SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS OUR COMMUNITY Community Vigil for the Fallen Local Yom HaZikaron Local Yom HaZikaron event on May 12 will event on May 12 will commemorate those commemorate those lost on Oct. 7. lost on Oct. 7. Lior and her brother Ilay Lior Zisser- Yogev