Posted on 06/10/24
Launch Event Held Just Prior to Rescue of Noa Argamani, Almog Meir, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv
Jerusalem, Israel - June 10, 2024 - Over 100 religious and secular Jews, including families of eleven hostages, launched the Jewish Unity Project while gathered at the Kotel. The initiative, part of an ongoing partnership between the hostage families and Kesher Yehudi, campaigns for greater unity among secular and religious Jews in Israel.
The launch event began with a prayer service at the Kotel, known as “Yom Kippur Katan,” which is traditionally said before the start of a new Hebrew month. The family members of Omer Shem Tov, Agam Berger, Omer Wenkert, Romi Gonen, Jacob Bohbot, Keith Siegal, Daniella Gilboa, Edan Alexander, Ohad Ben Ami, Omer Neutra, and Segev Kalfon also recited the “Shelah’s Prayer,” a special text that parents say for the sake of their children.
Less than 48 hours later, hostages Noa Argamani, Almog Meir, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv were miraculously rescued. Back in February, Fernando Marman and Louis Har were rescued days after a similar gathering held by Kesher Yehudi and the families of other hostages.
Shelly Shem Tov commented, “When we are together, there is great light.”
Following the prayers, participants gathered for dinner on a rooftop overlooking Western Wall Plaza. Many Kesher Yehudi volunteers have partnered with different family members who live their lives day in and day out solely focused on the return of their loved ones. The deep bonds of these newly formed friendships were clear as the families and volunteers spoke freely and openly with one another.
These connections are the result of an ongoing collaboration begun by Tzili Schneider, Founder and CEO of Kesher Yehudi, and Shelly Shem Tov, mother of Omer, who remains held in Gaza. The two formed a friendship late last year and worked together in February to offer a Shabbat focused on comforting the families of the hostages. Since then, the families have continued to request additional support, and Kesher Yehudi has hosted another Shabbaton, a Purim seudah, a Passover seder, and other programming.
Kobi Kalfon, whose son Segev was abducted from the Nova festival, noted, “These days, we need each other so much, without judgment on our opinions, differences, or who we each vote for."
The evening was a concretization of the goals of the Jewish Unity Project. The initiative focuses on promoting togetherness between the Jewish people and invites members of the public to be matched in a study pair by Kesher Yehudi. Each pair consists of a secular and religious Jew. While Kesher Yehdui provides source material from our shared Jewish heritage, they are encouraged to share about themselves and to build genuine and lifelong friendships. Many families of the hostages have become ambassadors in this national campaign, seeing it as a critical tool in their effort to bring their loved ones home.
Tzili noted, “Every single person here today prays daily for your families. Our hearts are with you. We are launching this visionary and groundbreaking program to foster greater unity. We won’t just talk about unity, but we will act to build real togetherness across Israel by connecting through our shared Jewish identity and common heritage.”
“Jewish unity is incredibly powerful, and we must lean into it for the betterment of Israeli society and to merit to see all the hostages come home quickly.”
