Posted on 04/14/24
Jerusalem, Israel - Apr. 14, 2024 - On the night of April 7, 2024, close to 700 people gathered in Efrat to commemorate the lives of Lucy Dee and her daughters, Maia and Rina, who were tragically murdered by terrorists one year ago.
On April 7, 2023, Lucy Dee and her daughters, Maia and Rina, were murdered in a terror attack as they traveled on Route 57 to Tiberias to celebrate the second half of the Pesach holiday with family from overseas. Near the Hamra junction, their car was ambushed by terrorists who fatally shot the two girls and critically injured Lucy, who died two days later.
The new event hall dedicated to Lucy’s memory was filled on the first anniversary of their passing, coinciding with the six-month anniversary of the October 7 massacre.
Last year, April 10 was designated "Dees Day," with Israelis and others displaying flags in solidarity. Reflecting on those dark days, Rabbi Leo Dee has emerged as a prominent advocate for Israel on the international scene, offering words of inspiration and hope.
Rabbi Dee shared seven profound lessons he has learned over the past year, important reminders erev Pesach.
1. There's no benefit to being sad. Rabbi Dee emphasized that the purpose of mourning is to reach a point where one can remember loved ones with a smile, ensuring their memories live on positively.
2. There's nothing like the Jewish people. From the Shiva period onward, Rabbi Dee and his family felt the immense support of the wider Jewish community, emphasizing the unity and strength of the Jewish people as a whole.
3. Tzaddikim live forever. Rabbi Dee reflected on the enduring impact of righteous individuals throughout Jewish history, contrasting their contributions with the destruction wrought by enemies.
4. Gratitude for the time spent with loved ones. Rabbi Dee expressed gratitude for the years he shared with Lucy, Maia, and Rina, acknowledging their remarkable achievements in their relatively short lives.
5. The best response to destruction is construction. Rabbi Dee highlighted the importance of resilience and rebuilding in the face of adversity, emphasizing a commitment to continue building and planting for the future.
6. The remarkable spirit of Jewish youth. Rabbi Dee praised the energy, creativity, and courage of the younger generation, hailing them as the bravest in Jewish history and expressing pride in their accomplishments.
7. The importance of recognizing Hashem's purpose. Rabbi Dee underscored that our faith lies not only in God but also in God's faith in us, emphasizing the need to embrace each day as an opportunity to fulfill a greater purpose.
The April 7 memorial concluded with a musical reflection led by internationally renowned musician Rabbi Shlomo Katz.
The community of Efrat has been greatly affected by the ongoing situation and losses over the past six months. The number of men saying kaddish in shul before the memorial evening was upsetting.
Yeshiva Orot Yehudah ישיבת בני עקיבא אורות יהודה אפרת produced this video tribute to Lucy Dee on her first yahrzeit.
