Hannukah candle lighting in Arad
Photo: Haim Horenstein
Arad lights first Hannukah candle in memory of slain soldier
Hundreds of Arad residents gather at site of terror attack that claimed the life of Sgt. Ron Kokia; his parents call for unity among all residents of area, including Bedouins; 'With light we will defeat our enemies,' says Chabad rabbi.
Hundreds of residents of the southern town of Arad gathered on Tuesday evening for the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle at the site where Sgt. Ron Kokia was stabbed to death two weeks ago.
"Our pain is great," said Livna, Ron's mother, who invited some soldiers from her son's army company to join her at the ceremony. "I really hope all of Arad's residents, Jews as well as Bedouins, come together, we want to embrace everyone," she added.
Ron Kukia's parents light the candle (Photo: Haim Horenstein)
Two days after the attack that claimed her son's life, two Bedouins from the northern Negev were arrested and charged with the murder. The Shin Bet surmises that the murder was a terror attack and the motive was nationalistic.
"We will continue to fight internal and external enemies," said Boaz, Ron's father. "Our Bedouin neighbors, who respect the state and its citizens and serve in the army, I embrace and respect. I call on them, together with all of Israel, to reject and punish those that engage in terror, like my son's killers."
"Alongside the fight against terror, it is essential that the nation of Israel continues to be united and tolerant, to develop and grow," he added.
Ron Kokia
Boaz chatted and shook hands with the many Arad residents who came bearing their condolences. Some told about their acquaintance with Ron: "I wanted to honor his parents, I felt a need. They are like family for us. It could have been my son," said a resident who attended the Menorah lighting.
Arad's mayor, attorney Nisan Ben-Hamo, told Ron's parents: "The terrible event that befell your family brought the whole city together. You can feel the desire to memorialize and to embrace. A son of Arad was murdered and the city embraces you. We are all here for you."
Rabbi Menachem Kutner, Chabad emissary to victims of terror, added: "We are standing where murderers tried to hurt us, each and every Jew. Ron stood here and with his body prevented a greater tragedy. Their goal was to darken the world and we are here tonight to bring light to Israel."
The Rabbi turned to the family and said: "When you light the Menorah in this spot, you are delivering a clear message to our enemies that the light will triumph. The holy light of Hanukkah will light up our hearts and with light we will defeat our vile enemies. Your private pain is the pain of all of us. We love you."
