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Reproduction photo: Hagai Aharon
Eldad Regev
Reproduction photo: Hagai Aharon
Reproduction Photo
Ehud Goldwasser

Regev and Goldwasser's tombstones unveiled

Hundreds of family members, friends gather at military cemeteries in Haifa, Nahariya to mark 30 days since burial of soldiers kidnapped by Hizbullah

Some 200 family members and friends gathered Friday morning at Haifa's military cemetery for an unveiling ceremony of fallen IDF soldier Eldad Regev's tombstone.

 

The bodies of Regev and fellow soldier Ehud Goldwasser were returned to Israel last month as part of a prisoner exchange deal with Hizbullah, which included the release of Lebanese terrorist Samir Kuntar, four Hizbullah men and five Palestinian prisoners, and the return of 199 bodies of Hizbullah fighters.

 

Regev's father Zvi said the Kaddish mourners' prayer alongside his sons Benny, Eyal and Ofer. A military rabbi said a prayer for the dead.

 

Regev's uncle Michael Helfman said on behalf of the family, "You were kidnapped two days after attending your mother's memorial, at the age of 26. We had so many hopes that you would return safely and see, feel and hear about what was done for you. About two years during which you were gone, about your father and brothers, friends and family and all those who love you. About rallies and demonstrations and volunteers. About two very difficult years.

 

"We hoped, Eldad, that we would get to happily celebrate the day of your return from captivity, but unfortunately this is not the way things worked out, and you returned to us in coffins."

 

He thanked the people of Israel for the warm embrace given to the Regev and Godlwasser families throughout the two years of uncertainty during which they waited for their sons' return.

 

Later Friday, some 300 family members and friends gathered at the Nahariya military cemetery for the unveiling ceremony of Ehud Goldwasser's tombstone.

 

Goldwasser's mother Miki, his brothers Gadi and Yair, his widow Karnit and her parents Omri and Daniela Avni stood by the grave. His father Shlomo said the Kaddish prayer, which was followed by a short speech by Karnit Goldwasser's father.

 

"You were a hero and you'll always stay a hero. You are here with us all the time, hearing, listening… Light our eyes throughout the way, we need it," said Omri Avni.

 

Shlomo Goldwasser said at the end of the ceremony, "Two years and a month have passed. During the first two years we were busy worrying about the sons and now, in the past month, room has been made for emotions. The remaining pain will always accompany us and we are staying together to cope."

 

Both ceremonies were attended by Noam and Aviva Shalit, whose son Gilad has been held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip for more than two years. A sail of solidarity with Gilad Shalit was expected to be held Friday afternoon in Nahariya.

 


פרסום ראשון: 08.15.08, 11:33
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