B”H

Shmuel Harari HY”D made aliyah from the United States on his own, driven by a singular resolve to enlist in the IDF as a lone soldier. He was among the first from his community to do so, and his example inspired other young men to follow in his footsteps.

Though he stood alone in the land, he insisted on serving as a combat soldier and went on to command a squad in the Netzach Yehuda Battalion. Even after his discharge, when he was not initially assigned to reserve duty, he refused to accept it — fighting until he was accepted as a reserve combat soldier, and from that point on, never missing an opportunity to show up and serve his country.

His comrades speak of his unwavering dedication, of how he always looked out for others, and of the sense of mission and genuine brotherhood he brought wherever he went.

During his years in Israel, Shmuel met Anna — a new immigrant from France who had also made her own solitary journey to the Land. Together they built a warm, Zionist family filled with love, and brought three children into the world.

From the 7th of October onward, Shmuel served nearly without interruption in the reserves for close to a year. Anna ran the household alone — raising the children, continuing her studies as a medical student — waiting for the moment when life would return to its course. That moment would never come.

Nearly a year after the outbreak of the war, Shmuel fell in battle in southern Lebanon. He was 35 years old.

Anna now stands before a new and painful reality — grappling with loss, with the demands of daily life, and with the profound responsibility of raising three children on her own. To36.48 receive the support she so deeply needs, Anna must relocate to Jerusalem, closer to her parents, who can help her and the children through this extraordinarily difficult chapter. This move is not a choice — it is a necessity.

Friends of Anna and Shmuel reached out to us, asking for help to get her back on her feet — to ease, even in some small measure, the immense weight of rebuilding a life in the shadow of grief and loss, and to raise the funds needed to help Anna move from Tzfat, where they had made their home, to Jerusalem, where she can be near her family and purchase an apartment close to her parents.

In partnership with the JGive platform, we launched a crowdfunding campaign on behalf of Anna and her children. We succeeded in raising over ₪502,000 — precisely the sum Anna needs. We see in this an outpouring of love, support, gratitude, and strength.

At the gathering to present the donations, Anna arrived accompanied by her mother, her sister, and her dear friend Noa, who had stood by her side throughout the entire campaign. During the meeting, Anna shared with us the story of Shmuel HY”D — of all that he gave to his family and to the people of Israel as a whole.

We wish to express our deepest gratitude to Anna’s beloved family for the privilege of being part of securing her future and the future of her precious children.

On behalf of Anna and her children, we extend heartfelt thanks to each and every one of the 2,244 donors who took part in this campaign.

Shmuel gave his life for this country. His children have lost their father. Anna has lost the love of her life. And we have done everything in our power to stand beside them — so that they need not face this alone.

Attached are several photographs from the gathering.