Hi, I wanted to say thank you so much for the opportunity to attend the meetup this evening,
It was amazing!!
It was a huge privilege to bring Tzvika’s presence into the family living room with the students and other people attending, and to see the different impacts on everyone…
Thank you so much.

This year I participated in an Our Brothers initiative for the third time, where brothers and sisters tell stories about brothers and sisters. I was hosted for the second time in the same wonderful home, where I told my story to people whom I had not met before, and also to some I know, but had never dared mention it to them. This initiative, together with all the fantastic people who further elevated the experience, gave me the push I needed - to do such a thing I would never have otherwise done. The evening was emotional, powerful, funny, and sadder than ever.

Let me share that I’ve had four meetings in the past two days, two of them through Our Brothers. Each meeting was special in its own way. Thank you for the initiative, the activities, and for connecting people like me who seek a platform to be heard, with those who open their homes and hearts, and have the desire to hear.

It was emotional. That’s what I’ve just received from one of the girls who was there, that it was really moving. I got through it and was able to tell them about my amazing brother and what it means to be a bereaved sister; that is all I wanted. And for me, I wanted to know how to talk about it without breaking down, and I managed. I cried, yes, but I was also able to keep it together to a great extent and that means everything to me. The home and the host were incredible; each person was more amazing than the next.

This year, we hosted Meital Toledano at the youth center, who relayed her family’s story from the time her brother, Pinhas Cohen (Pini) was killed. We were spellbound by Pini’s story, and together we cried and laughed with her as she revealed his special soul to us; how he could be the best friend of so many people, assuring them that he truly always had their backs.

Last night I was hosted at a home in Nachlaot, Jerusalem, where most of the guests were students. It was a powerful, heartrending evening. It was a great pleasure and honor to be a part of Our Brothers. You have achieved something immense! I hope it will go from strength to strength and continue making waves. Well done dear Elyasaf; my heart will be with you always.

I am Tzlil, one of the bereaved sisters that participated in the Our Brothers project. After a light recovery from yesterday and now feeling wonderful, I’d just like to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce my brother, and to many more wonderful, precious people, for the chance to infuse a taste of his life, and some of mine, into others, and to inspire them with my life story. Thank you! The words I expressed yesterday were the most meaningful I’ve been able to convey in recent years and I am elated. Thank you for the opportunity! I appreciate it above and beyond.

I was torn apart inside from all the stories and feelings shared. I didn’t thank you personally at the end because I had no idea what to say or how to express myself. The word, “thank you,” simply does not reflect my appreciation of you. The fact that you shared your personal sorrow and pain, that you gave us the chance to learn something about Yishai’s remarkable character gave me a sense of privilege and pride. While you were presenting the video clips, I was most moved to see how the family has grown; how cohesive, strong, steadfast, and larger than life you all are. May you continue in your many activities, in your endeavors, and in bringing the hearts of people closer together.