TEL AVIV, Israel – In a moving tribute to the memory of the approximately 1,300 Israelis who lost their lives in a series of devastating Hamas terrorist attacks, a sprawling display of flowers, measuring 70 meters in length (about 230 feet), was unveiled at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square. Thousands of meticulously crafted blooms were artfully arranged to spell out the poignant message, “We Stand With Israel.”
The heartfelt gesture, which combines both English and Hebrew script, finds its roots in a statement made by U.S. President Joe Biden, expressing solidarity with Israel during a time of great sorrow and distress.
The public is invited to participate in this commemoration by weaving one of the many funeral wreaths that will ultimately adorn the monument, serving as a dedicated memorial to those who fell victim to these tragic events.
The display, showcasing a kaleidoscope of flower colors, underscores the powerful message, “We are here, we will live, and we are not going anywhere,” as conveyed by the organizers of this project.
Each individual floral letter was painstakingly crafted by a devoted team of volunteers known as the “flower people,” who have been tirelessly preparing these wreaths for the hundreds of funerals that have occurred throughout the nation over the past 13 days.
While flowers are not traditionally part of Jewish funeral rites, they have become a common feature at Israeli funerals.
The initiative to create these memorial wreaths was launched by Lehi Salpeter Danziger, who collaborates with the Mate Yehuda regional council. It has grown into a nationwide project, involving thousands of wreaths, all made possible through donations from weavers, flower growers, and the local community.
In a heartfelt reflection on the initiative, Salpeter Danziger remarked, “You have to understand that there are no wreaths left in Israel anymore,” emphasizing the widespread support and collective commitment to honoring the memory of those who perished in these tragic events.
