A Public Space for Remembrance and Community
In the heart of Ashkelon’s coastal stretch, a new and moving square was inaugurated this week in memory of 16 sons and daughters of the city who fell in the Swords of Iron War. The square, located at a central intersection of Bar Kochva, Yafe Nof, Golani, and Yekutiel Adam streets, was designed as an open, green, and accessible space – a place for reflection, connection, and remembrance.
At the center of the square stands a restored sculpture of a sailboat – a tribute to the nearby sea and the spirit of the place. Surrounding it are sixteen striking memory spheres, made of durable materials, each bearing a golden Star of David and the fallen soldier’s name at its center. The spheres were designed by local artist Lev Abramzon, who combined elements of aesthetics, materiality, and timeless precision in his works.
During the inauguration ceremony, a deeply emotional moment was captured when a boy, about nine years old, approached one of the spheres and kissed the name of his older brother engraved upon it – an image that etched the depth of loss into the hearts of all present.
Names of Ashkelon’s Fallen Soldiers:
- Master Sergeant Arthur Aaron Markovichy
- Chief Warrant Officer Vitaly Krasik
- Staff Sergeant Sivan (Simcha) Asraf
- Staff Sergeant Shachaf Nisani
- Michael Ben Moshe
- Staff Sergeant Maro Alam
- Superintendent Nissim Lugasi
- Sergeant Lior Azizov
- First Sergeant (Res.) Tomer Dolev Dabul
- Staff Sergeant Uriya Yaakov
- Lieutenant Shay Aili
- Sergeant First Class Rafael (Rafi) Anokhob
- Sergeant Uri (Nechemia) Ashkenazi
- Sergeant First Class Nitay Matudi
- Chief Warrant Officer Alexander Spitz
- Sergeant Daniel Aviv Chaim Sofer
Connecting Pain and Hope – The Vision of “Restoring the Spirit”
The project is part of the JDC’s flagship program – “Restoring the Spirit” – which has been operating in the city since the beginning of the war to strengthen community resilience. The program aims to connect community, memory, and action. Aya Nahum and Yossi Balaish, who led the JDC’s activities in the city, have succeeded in creating highly impactful processes through their daily work with residents, volunteers, and PA employees.
In this context, Hadas Minka-Brand, CEO of JDC Israel, said in her speech at the inauguration ceremony:
“In the midst of bereavement – resilience is also born. Amid mourning – we encounter a community that refuses to break… The desire to remember, to grieve – but also to grow and be built – is true heroism.”
She also emphasized the extraordinary partnership with the Ashkelon Municipality and the actions taken in the city as part of “Restoring the Spirit” – from strengthening the emotional resilience of children, through programs for the authority’s employees, to volunteer projects in the neighborhoods.
Partnership for Memory and Resilience
The new square is the product of extensive collaboration. The “Yad Labanim” organization, which is a natural partner for this significant commemoration, operates in the city through a local branch led with dedication by Eli Lachaziel – the chairman of the organization’s municipal committee – who maintains personal contact with each bereaved family. Also speaking during the ceremony was the deputy chairman of the “Yad Labanim” organization, Eli Tahar – a father and brother of the bereaved, who delivered chilling and inspiring speeches.
The square constitutes another layer in the fabric of commemoration in Ashkelon, alongside the Grove of the Fallen, which was inaugurated on the last Tu BiShvat. Soon, another square is expected to be inaugurated, in memory of those who died in the war. The entirety of these projects expresses a broad vision of creating a spatial memory continuum in the city, connecting personal mourning with community growth.
Swords of Iron War Fallen Soldiers’ Square is not just a place of remembrance – it is a testament to resilience, community commitment, and an unbreakable spirit. The Joint will continue to work in Ashkelon to ensure that the past is not forgotten – and that the future will be a place for safe, meaningful living, and shared action.
