We are pleased to announce that we have successfully inaugurated a new music room, costing hundreds of thousands of shekels, in memory of Staff Sergeant Yad Ben Yaakov, may his memory be blessed. 

Lihi Ben Yaakov: "In this room, the memory of Yad will live on not only in words, but through music."

A new music room was inaugurated today (Monday, August 25) in Petah Tikva, in memory of Staff Sergeant Yad Ben Yaakov, who fell in battle during Operation "The Tiger" near the Nahal Oz base on October 7, just one month before his 21st birthday. Yad served in the Golani Brigade's 13th Battalion, in the "Zevi HaDema" spearhead company, and was the youngest of five brothers and sisters.

In the last year of his life, he discovered a new love: music. He bought two guitars, one acoustic and one classical, and began teaching himself to play with the help of a private teacher and online lessons. "He planned to enroll in music school after his discharge," said his mother, Lihi Ben Yaakov. "He dreamed about it with all his heart. Today, we are fulfilling that dream for him and for other children and young people.".

The music room will serve children and teenagers from low-income families who cannot afford music lessons or rehearsal rooms. The space will also allow for the recording of songs for family events, such as bar and bat mitzvahs, at a nominal price, with the aim of making music accessible to everyone.

Behind the initiative is the organization "L'Zikaron La'Zachor" (Remember Forever), which accompanies bereaved families from the Iron Sword War and helps them commemorate their loved ones in personal and tailored ways.

Gershi Kornitzer, CEO of the organization "To Remember Forever," said:
"We arrived at the home of Lihi, Yad's mother, and were excited to hear about him. She told us that he had learned to play the guitar, loved teaching children, and spreading his love of music. We decided to set up a music room where neighborhood children could learn to play, learn about Yad's story, and follow in his footsteps.

A member of the target unit, Captain Trico Almayo, shared:
"I am very excited. Yad was 'the atypical Golan', gentle, loving, living and breathing people. He was a good friend, and it was impossible not to want to be in his company. He spread a good atmosphere to everyone around him. This room is exactly what Yad would have wanted, a place of creativity, warmth, and love."

The project, which cost hundreds of thousands of shekels, is considered one of the most advanced of its kind. The land for its construction was donated by the mayor of Petah Tikva, Rami Greenberg, who expressed his commitment to commemorating the city's fallen soldiers. Another key partner is Sigal Rapali, CEO of Yad Labanim Petah Tikva, alongside Romi from Golmat, who provided equipment and infrastructure. A significant contribution was made by Matan Kesem, owner of the Reizone Group and a former Golani fighter who saw the campaign and enlisted to help, together with members of the community, family members, and friends of Yad. David Huga, an acoustic consultant, contributed his professional expertise to ensure sound quality.

Lihi Ben Yaakov, Yad's mother, said at the ceremony:
"We have gathered to remember my son, my angel, who fell in battle. Yad loved music and dreamed of pursuing a career in the field, perhaps even at a music academy. Unfortunately, his dream was cut short, but this memorial is a direct continuation of his work. Here, in this room, the memory of Yad will live on not only in words, but through music.".

The mayor of Petah Tikva, Rami Greenberg, said:
"Since October 7, Israel has suffered a heavy loss. Our city has lost dozens of sons and daughters. Each one of them is a world unto themselves. This room is not only a memorial; it is a continuation of the legacy, the Zionist spirit, and the love of country that they left us.".

Singer-songwriter Ariel Zilber volunteered to participate in the launch event. He was thrilled to discover that Yad particularly loved his songs, and performed "He Loved So Much" and other beloved hits at the ceremony.

Photos from the moving and dignified ceremony in the gallery