The Gevaram theater, which was renovated as part of the memorial site for the Operation Protective Edge Fallen. (Photo: Talila Livshitz, KKL-JNF Photo Archive)
To mark Memorial Day for Israel's Fallen Soldiers, the first step was taken towards creating the memorial site when a group of builders visited the site today with the intention of beginning the first stage of the project – the preservation of the historical open theater, a unique building facing the scenery that will become an important component of the memorial site.
The site, which is intended to become the main entrance for visitors to Gevaram Forest and the vicinity, will commemorate the fallen while also creating a focal point for interest and visits to the vicinity. The decision on the location was made by the bereaved families and KKL-JNF representatives. Gevaram Forest was chosen due to its location, beauty and the fact that it meets the demands for the site and the memorial that will be built there. The site to be created will include a memorial area, a site intended for ceremonies with up to 300 participants, and a picnic site that will be accessible for people with disabilities.
Bicycle riders in Gevaram Forest. (Photo: Talila Livshitz, KKL-JNF Photo Archive)
According to KKL-JNF Southern Region Director Daniel Gigi, "KKL-JNF is proud to be the organization promoting the establishment of a memorial site for the Operation Protective Edge fallen. These soldiers fell defending the Gaza Strip border region, and I hope that the memorial site will be a focal point for remembering on the one hand, and for life and activity on the other hand."
Shmuel Nagid, the representative of the fallen families, said that "out of the personal pain of the families who lost those who were most precious to them, we wanted to commemorate our loved ones in a project that combines memory of the fallen with community activities."