On January 16th, a ceremony was held in the Forest near Beit Shemesh, in memory of eight members of the Nechmad family who were killed in March 2002, while attending a family Bar-Mitzvah in Beit Yisrael, Jerusalem.

The Australian Jewish Community under the auspices of the United Israel Appeal, bought 100 trees through Keren Kayement and requested the ceremony to be held with Tu B'Shvat in mind.

Keren Kayemeth arranged the ceremony and Meir Malka, former head of the English Speaking Countries of Keren Kayemeth, addressed the family who came by special transport from Rishon L'Zion. Mr. Josie Shubeli, representative of the residents of Shikun Hamizrach and Mickey Blumberg, representative of the UIA Australia, made emotional speeches about the tragic loss of life and the ongoing terror. They all had hopes that Israelis would find the strength to keep their hope alive and look forward to peace and tranquility.

A member of the family responded and then they all planted trees on a slope overlooking the valley. The sun came out for a short while, and the sky had patches of blue, where the rain clouds parted, almost as if in honour of the family - a ray of light above.

A special tribute has to be paid to Sabta Hannah, the mater of the family, whose faith in G-D has kept the family together. Hannah, with her strength and trust in her beliefs, has been a role model for the rest of her children and grandchildren.

The children of the Nechmad family are active participants in the Prat Community Centre, and the Director, Maimon Asulin, and his deputy, Mary Goaz are in constant touch with the family and helped arrange this memorable day.

Shvat 5763 - January 2003