A Unique Tribute: Students Honor Holocaust Remembrance Through Song

Emotional Gathering Marks Connection Between Holocaust and Contemporary Grief

In an unprecedented event titled “Six Million Brothers,” students from across Israel gathered to commemorate the Holocaust and honor fallen soldiers. The event took place at the cultural hall in Shoham, featuring renowned singers performing songs penned by students following their visits to the Holocaust death camps in Poland. This special gathering coincided with the days of remembrance for both the Holocaust and recent tragedies, such as the attack on October 7.

A Testament to Resilience and Creativity

The evening brought together a diverse group of students who shared their experiences and reflections from their journeys to the death camps. Among the poignant performances was a song by Yael Yalin, an 11th-grade student from Givat Brenner Regional School. Her piece was inspired by the harrowing stories of Yuval Shraibi and Ofir Engel, whose lives were deeply affected by the tragic events of recent months.

Ofir was kidnapped during the October attack, alongside Yuval’s father, Yossi, who was also taken. Yuval’s aunt, Eli Shraibi, was kidnapped as well and was recently freed, only to learn the heartbreaking news that his wife and daughters perished in the massacre. Yuval and her mother managed to escape and hid for a full day from their captors. Ofir, who was released early in the conflict, is the grandson of Yosef “Jooha” Engel, who lost his son, Yair, a fighter in the elite unit Shayetet 13, in 1996 when he was just 20 years old.

The song reflecting the immense grief experienced by the Engel and Shraibi families was written by Yael during her time in Poland and was set to music by Yoram Tzadok, marking its premiere at this significant event.

Vostarts of a New Generation

Education Minister Yoav Kisch spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of connecting the memory of the Holocaust with the current pain experienced by the younger generation through the eyes and words of students in the education system. Kisch described “Six Million Brothers” as “a living memory born from the journey, from the heart, and from the grief of October 7.” He noted that this collective expression turns into a unifying Israeli creation that offers hope.

This event not only serves as a reminder of the past but also highlights the resilience of the youth today as they take on the heavy mantle of remembrance and commemorate those who have fallen in both historical and contemporary conflicts.

Tags: Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel Defense Forces Fallen Soldiers, October 7 Attack