4-May-14: Keeping her spirit alive

A country at a momentary standstill [Image Source]

On two occasions each year, we write about our daughter's life and death, and to the act of remembering. Once, on the anniversary of the unbearably hot August afternoon we buried her in 2001. And once on Memorial Day, Yom Hazikaron, when the nation collectively turns its attention inwards - as a family does - remembering those thousands of beautiful lives ended so prematurely, so tragically, in warfare and in the ongoing war of terrorism waged against every last one of us.

Malki Roth, in whose memory and spirit Keren Malki, the Malki Foundation, was established, was a vivacious 15 year old who lived life to the fullest and brought happiness to many lives. Through her unique character, she inspired others to become involved with projects for children with disabilities. The week before she was killed, Malki and a friend were volunteering at a summer camp for children with severe disabilities. But Malki's life was stolen along with 14 others in the terrorist attack on the Sbarro restaurant in central Jerusalem on August 9, 2001. All that is left now is for us to remember Malki and keep her spirit alive through the work done daily in her name. [From an email message broadcast earlier today by the executive team at Keren Malki.]

The official Yom Hazikaron/Memorial Day ceremony is broadcast live each year at this time from the forecourt of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, commemorating Israel's Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror in song and verse. 

The theme of 2013's ceremony was "In their death, they bequeathed us", focusing on unique individuals and the organizations set up in their memory.  Keren Malki, and Malki's life, were among the select few to be featured a year ago. We would very much appreciate you taking five minutes to sit and watch the video clip (it has English language subtitles) and remember Malki on this day of memories.

Click here to view the video