Hello, my name is Lihi, Yaad’s mother.

These days, even though I am going through very difficult times, I refuse to give up.

Despite the pain, I want to tell you about my beloved son who fell in Gaza and about the way he was killed.

My son, Staff Sergeant Yaad Ben-Yaakov, of blessed memory, was a beloved soldier in Golani Brigade Battalion 13.

He had a huge heart and was extremely sensitive toward others.

He was always there for anyone who needed help.

On Friday, just before the Simchat Torah of October 7, I spoke with Yaad on the telephone.

It was a normal conversation between a mother and son.

He asked how I was doing and we had a regular conversation. I had no idea it would be our last.

On Saturday morning, the attack began.

Yaad was with his friends, the Golani soldiers from Battalion 13, at the Nahal Oz outpost.

When news arrived that the outpost was under attack, they returned to the base and fought the terrorists who were trying to infiltrate it.

During the battle, Yaad was shot and killed.

Yaad was just 20 years old. He was my youngest child, a boy with an especially sensitive heart.

He always cared for others, helped at home with anything he could, and despite being the youngest, he was the pillar of our family.

He had a special sense of humor and a big smile that lit up the whole room.

His friends loved him deeply, and his teachers spoke of an outstanding student with a big heart.

He also had a dream that belonged just to the two of us.

After the army, we wanted to travel together to Iceland to see the Northern Lights.

Sadly, I never got to go on that trip with him. Instead, I accompanied him on his final journey.

Yaad loved family gatherings very much, especially during the holidays.

The Seder was always a joyful moment in our home, filled with laughter around the table and the warmth of family.

He didn’t get to experience that joy again.

But his heart, his desire to give to others, I can continue.

As Passover approaches, I want to honor him in the way that fits him best -

through kindness and giving that comes from the heart.

I am distributing food vouchers to orphans and families in need

As a way to fulfill the mitzvah of Kimcha D’Pischa with dignity.

And commemorate Yaad through true giving which directly reaches the families who need it.

Any sum is important and will help another family sit at the Seder table with dignity.

Your support will bring joy to another orphan

who will wait for the Seder with light in his heart.

Don’t wait for the last moment.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Lihi Ben-Yaakov Yaad’s mother