The vision of mother
Shosha Kanarik for her fallen son, the area and memorial plaque came to fruition with the partnership of the KKL-JNF Israel Fundraising Department.
St. Major Ofer Kanarik was only 28 years old when he was killed on duty in a car accident, leaving behind his wife Shiran, a three year old son and an infant daughter.
In attendance were numerous representatives of the Israel Police, including Commissioner
Iftach Uri, Head of Branch Arm Operations for the Jerusalem Division; Chief Superintendent
Yarden Kalandrov, Deputy Commander of the
Negev Region; Major General
Ronen Ovadia, Commander of the Moriah Station where Kanarik served; Commissioner
Gila Gaziel, Head of the Personnel Department, and Major General
Yoram HaLevi, Jerusalem Police Commander.
“Ofer was raised in the Kiryat Yovel neighborhood of Jerusalem, and loved to wander in the nearby
Jerusalem Forest,”
Shiran Kanarik, Ofer’s widow, told the gathering. “We want to honor Ofer in his way, through love of nature and love of Israel.”
She said she hoped the recreation area would be a place of gathering, workshops and
recreation for members of the police force as well as for other Israelis.
“For us, the family, it will be a place to be with Ofer,” she said. “Thank you for the honor you have given us in being here and thank you to KKL-JNF who made it possible.”
Musical interludes were provided by instrumental performances and songs performed by Shosha Kanarik’s choir.
Friends of the fallen officer recounted memories and recited poems for Kanarik, praising his love of nature and his willingness to always help others, especially those in need.
“This place is connected to Ofer,” said Kanarik’s childhood friend Uri. “I was lucky to have had the privilege of having a ‘brother’ who taught me so much.”
“It is fitting to find a corner that is for you, but also for all of us,” said Chief Superintendent Yarden Kalandrov. “Here we can connect with the songs of the birds, the wind and the laughter of children. Ofer, we will remember you always.”
Longtime family friend
Saraleh Arnon read from a poem Kanarik wrote when he was 17 years old:
“Every day that passes
Is another wonder
Sometimes good,
Sometimes bad…
“What is pain
Compared to my inner happiness.”
KKL-JNF Director of Israel Fundraising
Michael Ben Abu presented Shiran Kanarik and Shosha Kanarik with framed KKL-JNF certificates commemorating the dedication.
“The death of a loved one before his time leaves within us a deep pain,” said Ben Abu. “How do we continue our lives when this happens? Whoever comes to this magical corner of the forest will remember Ofer and his beautiful ways.”