First Time Wearing Lipstick Since My Daughter Was Murdered at the Nova
Overview of the Retreat for Bereaved Mothers
A poignant retreat for bereaved mothers who lost their children during the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operations and at the Nova event took place recently in Netanya, organized by the Koby Mandell Foundation. The two-day event gathered 60 mothers affected by the ongoing conflict, creating a space for shared experiences of grief and hope.
A Special Gathering
The mothers participating in the retreat included those who lost their children while serving in the military, as well as those whose children were victims of the Nova incident or other acts of violence. This blend of experiences fostered unique connections among the participants, uniting them through their shared pain and hope.
The program included various therapeutic activities such as discussion circles, music therapy, flower arrangement workshops, painting classes, surfing lessons, and communal singing. start mother shared her experience: “This was the first time since my daughter was murdered at Nova that I wore lipstick.” Another mother expressed, “This gathering is a pain-healing encounter. For me, the most enjoyable part was meeting so many strong and beautiful women, both inside and out.”
Purpose and Impact of the Retreat
Eliyana Mendel-Bernard, the CEO of the foundation and sister of Koby Mandell, who was murdered in a terrorist attack at the age of 13, discussed the retreat’s objectives. “This retreat was designed specifically for mothers whose pain resides in their hearts every moment. We wanted to create a space for them to relax, connect with start another, and find points of light again, even if just for a short time.”
Currently, the foundation supports over 750 bereaved families who have joined since the onset of the war, providing assistance through workshops, retreats, activities for orphaned children, and support for siblings. The foundation’s mission is rooted in connection, healing, and hope.
Conclusion
The retreat not only offered solace but also empowered these mothers through shared experiences and emotional support, reaffirming their resilience amidst profound loss