Every year, the official state ceremony marking the end of Yom HaZikaron and the beginning of Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day) takes place on Har Herzl in Yerushalayim. The Speaker of the Knesset officiates at this nationally televised event, which is attended by government ministers, members of the Knesset, IDF commanders and veterans, diplomats, and selected citizens.
The ceremony includes parades, musical performances, dances, and fireworks. But the emotional highlight is the torch-lighting ceremony, representing the 12 Sh’vatim (Tribes) of am Yisrael. Torchbearers are chosen for their outstanding contributions to Israeli society, and each one declares in their moment of honor: “L’tiferet Medinat Yisrael!” – “To the glory of the State of Israel!”
Several months before the event, the public is invited to nominate individuals. An advisory committee selects torchbearers to reflect diversity across age, background, and religious affiliation. This year, many honorees have contributed in meaningful ways to the war effort, directly or through acts of support and unity. Some will light torches as individuals, others in groups.
Here are just a few of the remarkable people selected this year:
In the early days of the war, five terrorists entered the home of Rachel Edry and her husband. Rachel calmly engaged them – offering food, singing in Arabic, joking – and held their attention for hours until rescue forces arrived. Her courage became a national symbol. I recall delivering baked goods to an army base shortly afterward; one package was labeled “Rachel’s cookies.” Rachel’s husband sadly passed away several months later, but she continues to inspire.
Rabbi Shai Graucher took it upon himself to support soldiers and their families, widows, orphans, and evacuees in unimaginable ways. He brought trucks loaded with washers, showers, Jacuzzis, and beds to military outposts, delivered food and gifts, and personally organized events like a bar mitzvah for a boy whose friends had been scattered due to war displacement. His mission, he says, is not only to provide but to promote unity across the Jewish people.
A group of women here in Ramat Beit Shemesh prepared everything voluntarily for the bar mitzvah party of a boy whose family had been displaced. They organized everything from soup to nuts. However, the boy was sad because none of his friends could come, as they were scattered around the country. Shai arranged for a driver to pick up some of the boys and bring them to the bar mitzvah. The boy was thrilled.
Rabbi Shmuel Slotki led search operations for the missing after the October 7 attacks – even as his own two sons, who had rushed to fight, were reported missing. Both were later found to have been killed. One was religious, the other was secular. Rabbi Slotki speaks of their shared mission as a model for national unity: “If my sons could be united in purpose, so can our people.”
Eli Sharabi and Emily Demari were released from Hamas captivity in recent months. Eli learned upon returning from captivity that his wife and daughters had been murdered. Many were struck by his appearance, physically resembling a Holocaust survivor. Emily lost two fingers when she was shot during her abduction. Since their release, both have advocated for the return of the remaining hostages and the strength of the Israeli spirit.
At just ten years old, Ben Carasso is the youngest torch lighter in Israel’s history. He became known through his online advocacy, offering the war’s perspective through a child’s eyes. Ben and his mother have traveled internationally, including to the UN, and created powerful videos advocating for Israel and the Jewish people.
Elisha Meidan lost both legs in Gaza and was critically wounded. Despite the trauma, he speaks publicly and works to promote national unity, sharing a message of strength in the face of personal loss.
Yarin Ilovich is a DJ who played the last track at the Nova Festival. Since then, he continues to strengthen and bring comfort through music.
Ben Shapiro, the popular commentator and public intellectual, has used his large platform to advocate strongly for Israel throughout the war, particularly on social media.
Rikki Sitton founded the Chavruta Project, which pairs observant and secular Jews for joint Torah learning. Rikki is also a constant presence at Hostage Square, showing ongoing support for the families waiting for their loved ones.
At the beginning of the war, 90-year-old Blanka Gut began knitting wool clothing for soldiers, using every bit of olive-green yarn she could find. Her hands have not stopped since.
Each of these individuals reminds us that contribution takes many forms: courage, compassion, creativity, and quiet consistency. Some have sacrificed everything. Others have given time, resources, or strength. We hope and pray that by next Yom HaAtzmaut, the services offered by many of these torch-bearers will no longer be needed. Until then, we honor them not just for what they’ve done but for who they’ve chosen to be: lights for am Yisrael.
Please continue to daven for the wounded, the hostages, and the safe return of all our chayalim and security personnel.
Suzie Steinberg, (nee Schapiro), CSW, is a native of Kew Gardens Hills and resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh who publishes articles regularly in various newspapers and magazines about life in general, and about life in Israel in particular. Her recently published children’s book titled Hashem is Always With Me can be purchased in local Judaica stores as well as online. Suzie can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and would love to hear from you.
