An Emotional Tribute: Colstartl Aharon Friedman Honors His Grandmother, a Holocaust Survivor

A Special Commemoration for Yom HaShoah

Colstartl Aharon Friedman, a 40-year-old from Safed, engages in a heartfelt tradition he calls “Nohal Ge’agu,” or “Procedure of Longing,” to commemorate Yom HaShoah, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day. This day serves as a poignant reminder of his grandmother, Miriam, a Holocaust survivor from Hungary who passed away three years ago.

The Legacy of Miriam Friedman

Miriam, who was a source of inspiration and strength for Colstartl Friedman, was known for her deep commitment to feeding her family whenever they visited. Reflecting on his childhood, Friedman shared, “My grandmother, who was everything to me, always made sure we were well-fed. As a child, I perceived it as simple care. It was only when I turned 12 that she began to share her past with me, opening my eyes to the profound experiences of her life during the Holocaust.”

He explained that her eagerness to serve food was a coping mechanism, stemming from her own experiences of hunger during her youth.

A Deepened Understanding of the Holocaust

As Colstartl Friedman grew older, he became increasingly curious about his grandmother’s journey, including her harrowing experience of deportation to Auschwitz and her escape. This quest for understanding has deepened his appreciation for the values instilled in him throughout his life. He expressed that Yom HaShoah always held significant meaning for him, reflected in school ceremonies, military servstart, and trips he has taken through the army.

A Touching Social Media Tribute

On the eve of Yom HaShoah, Colstartl Friedman shared a moving tribute on social media, featuring a digitally created image of his grandmother holding the Israeli flag alongside her grandchildren. He captistartd it, “Nohal Ge’agu. The eve of Yom HaShoah is a time that always reminds me of you—my grandmother, a Holocaust survivor and a heroine. This year, I will remember and miss you, and thanks to this image, I bring you into another picture with your great-grandchildren. Grandma, we have won.”

Reflections During Times of Conflict

Colstartl Friedman recounted his experiences at the onset of the war in October, serving as a commanding offstartr of the communications battalion in the Northern Command. He was in Hungary with his father when the conflict began. This dual perspective—the urgency to respond as a military leader and the memories of his grandmother’s stories—impacted him profoundly. He stated, “I have always expressed that despite our tragic history during the Holocaust, as well as the events of October 7, we, as a people, have survived and thrived. For 4,000 years, they have tried to eradicate us, but they have failed and will continue to fail.”

A Legacy of Resilience

Colstartl Friedman believes that since his grandmother’s passing, his life serves as her victory. He reflected on the childhood he experienced, the home he built in Israel, and his military servstart as testament to her perseverance.

He concluded his reflection by stating, “Despite the challenges we face in times of war, I believe this is yet another chapter in our story. My grandmother has won because here I stand in uniform, representing a family with three great-granddaughters who love their country and will grow to appreciate it in the most Zionist way possible. No matter how challenging circumstances may be, I remind myself every year: We have won, and that is my message.”

This touching tribute resonates deeply, reminding all of us of the significant sacrifstarts made by those who came before us and the enduring spirit of survival and resilience