Hours after security forces razed an unauthorized monument in memory of IDF soldier Avner Hezi Kfir, about 200 settlers arrived at the site in order to rebuild the memorial.
In a rally held at the site, Kfir's former comrades, relatives, and public figures vowed that the new monument would be bigger and more impressive than the one demolished earlier Thursday.
Kfir, who served as a combat medic, was killed in a Lebanon battle in 1997. His relatives and comrades built the memorial about two years ago.
Settlers rebuild monument (Photo: Yair Altman)
The bereaved mother, Sarah, delivered an emotional speech at the rally and said she was touched to see the people who arrived to support and encourage the family at their difficult hour.
"When I came in here this morning and saw the ruins…I experienced Avner's loss for a second time; I lost the only memory left of him," she said. "At the same time, all the support and the great embrace we received from all of you gave us vitality. Thank you for giving us strength."
Rabbi Eliyakim Lebanon, who attended the rally, urged the defense minister and prime minister to personally arrive and provide explanations to the family.
"Look in the eye of the bereaved mother and please do explain to the father, brothers and sisters the amazing necessity that required the demolition of a memorial for a fallen soldier," he said. "Explain how this small site stopped the peace process and bothered anyone."