The historic amphitheater in the Gvar’am Forest was officially reopened on Sunday as a memorial for the 68 IDF soldiers who fell during Operation Protective Edge against Hamas in Gaza in 2014.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by bereaved families, public officials, and representatives of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF).

“My son went out to fight for his home. For us, Protective Edge was not just an operation, it was a war for our existence, for our lives here,” said Shmuel Lavi, father of Captain Liad Lavi, who fell during the battle. “In the 11 years that have passed since, the pain has not lessened, and we have come to understand that this was not a passing moment but an ongoing reality,” he added.

The renewed site includes two main elements: a restored 1,

See Full Page