Thanks to your generous support, we were able to help the Raviv family hold a moving Torah dedication ceremony in memory of their heroic son, Lior, may his memory be blessed. The family sent us a touching thank-you note:

"Hello, I wanted to thank you for your help in raising funds so that we could hold a Torah dedication ceremony in memory of our son, Lior, may he rest in peace. I was very moved by the ceremony and the production of accompanying the Torah to the synagogue and the meal. Thank God, it was very impressive, so thank you for everything! I will share some photos."

These touching moments happen because of you. Your support allows us to give families the strength to carry on and remember forever.

The story of Israeli hero Lior Raviv, may his memory be blessed

Lior Raviv, born in Rishon LeZion, was a 21-year-old outstanding student and observant Jew with a burning Zionist spirit. The book Mesillat Yesharim was his guiding light, and he was known for his modesty and heart of gold. His motto in life was "Speak little and do much" – a value that accompanied him throughout his life.

In the Iron Swords War, Lior fought bravely in Gaza as a communications officer and an outstanding marksman. His comrades followed him with complete confidence, and he received certificates of excellence for his courage and determination. For six months, he fought tirelessly to defeat Hamas and free the hostages.

Although he was supposed to be discharged in December 2024, Lior chose to stay with his unit mates for another four months. When the pre-military academy rabbi asked him, "Are you upset that they're extending your service?" Lior replied, "No, I'm so happy that I'm doing something meaningful, even though I already want to start my civilian life."

On March 23, 2024, a week before his official release date, Lior was killed in a clash with terrorists during an operation at Shifa Hospital in western Gaza City. On the last day of the battle, he was the first to enter the room, encountered a Hamas terrorist, sacrificed his life, and saved his comrades with his heroism.

At the end of the operation at Shifa Hospital, Lior was selected as the platoon's outstanding soldier. The certificate of appreciation for his operational activities during the war was received on his behalf by his direct commander after his death.

On his gravestone, his loved ones engraved the verse: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me" (Psalms 23:4).

Hundreds of mourners came to the cemetery to pay their respects.

The division commander eulogized him: "If I had listened to the phrase 'take the best,' I would have taken you back from the start, because you were my best... I will take the values you carried with you, and I will spread them so that the world will be a better place thanks to you and your way."

His friend eulogized him: "You were too good, my brother. A pure person, with a heart of gold... I learned so much from you. I love you, my brother, and I miss you so much. You will forever be engraved in my heart."

About 12 hours before his burial, his sister Hila's second son was born and named Yair in memory of the uncle he never got to know.

"This is the gift he left us after his death," said his brother-in-law.

Lior left behind his parents and three sisters, and the memory of a young hero who sacrificed his life for his people and his country. His ways were gentle and his paths were peaceful, and his family promises to continue in his footsteps with humility, love, and peace.

May his memory be blessed.