Finding closure after tragedy
Three of four families who lost loved ones in Maccabiah tragedy in 1997 set to return to Israel for 17th Games
At the time of the disaster, Small, who was seriously injured in the accident, was a mother to two children aged 5 and 7. In addition to her husband, however, three fellow Australian team members also died in the tragedy and dozens more were injured.
However, Small is set to return to Israel in two weeks time with her two children, Joshua and Rebecca.
The family of a second victim, Yetty Bennett, is also making the trip, as well as the widow of Warren Zines.
The victims' family members spoke to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper about the reasons for their decision to return after eight years to a place where they lost their loved ones.
Personal reasons
More than 40,000 spectators were present at the opening ceremony for the 15th Jewish Olympics, which takes place in Israel every four years. Suddenly, a bridge stretching over the polluted Yarkon River collapsed, a tragedy that claimed the lives of four Australians.
Several weeks ago, Australia's Maccabiah Chairman Phil Filler met with the victims' families and confirmed that three out of the four families who lost their loved ones would return to Israel for the opening ceremony of the 17th Maccabiah games, each for their own personal reasons.
However, it appears that for all of them, the upcoming visit marks an opportunity to end a painful chapter in their lives and move on.
It is also important for them to participate in the inauguration ceremony for a new bridge that has been built in the victims' memory, called the "17th Maccabiah Bridge."
Accepting life
Zines, who is planning to come to Israel with her three children and six grandchildren, said the journey will be emotional, but she needs the closure.
She said it is important for her family to see first hand what happened to their father and grandfather and to be present at the ceremony in memory of her husband.
Bennett's son first came to Israel one year after the tragedy. Four years later he returned for a second visit.
He said at the time he was very angry, but today has learned to accept the tragic reality. He said participating in the opening ceremony this year will finally end his late mother's journey who wanted so much to march in the opening ceremony eight years ago.
