"Memories we will not forget": The journey that brought together veterans of bereavement and the generation of October 7 | Josh Aronson

About 20 young men and women from the youth department of the "OneFamily" organization set out last weekend on an adventurous journey in the Black Canyon in the Golan Heights. The department, which accompanies young people from bereaved families and victims of hostilities and terror, created a bridge at the meeting between the organization's veterans and those who joined the circle of bereavement following the "Iron Swords" war.

The route in the Black Canyon is not a routine trip; it combines walking in flowing water, passing through natural pools, and rappelling down rushing waterfalls. Alongside the adrenaline and the scenery, the challenging nature of the terrain placed the participants in front of fears and uncertainty - places where blind trust in teammates, reaching out a hand, and accepting help in moments of fear were required.

Among the marchers was Keren Dee, who lost her mother Lucy (may her blood be avenged) and her sisters Maia and Rina (may their blood be avenged) in April 2023 in the deadly shooting attack in the Jordan Valley, while they were on their way to a family vacation for Passover.

"Each of us comes with their own story and the pain they carry with them. I lost my mother and my two sisters in a terror attack three years ago, and it is a crazy struggle. That is why this day was for us much more than just another trip. It gave us a moment to breathe, to let go, to laugh, to be together, and simply to enjoy. We managed to connect not necessarily through words, but through the terrain and the experience itself. We left with a huge smile, memories we will not forget, and a lot of gratitude," shared Dee.

Connection through the challenge

Elhai Bartov, the youth coordinator at the "OneFamily" organization, explained the choice of a demanding route: "We were looking for a place that requires a real confrontation with fear. When you stand on the edge of an abyss before a rappel and are not sure of success, you discover the power of the group around you. We dealt with the question of where personal difficulty meets togetherness, how to lean on others, and how from personal pain one can become a support for someone else."

CEO of the organization, Moshe Sawil, emphasized the importance of therapeutic and social continuity: "The struggle of those who have lost loved ones or were injured in terror does not end in one moment, but accompanies them throughout their lives. We strive to provide them with a permanent envelope and a space where one can meet equals - without the need to explain or justify oneself. Such field activities allow one to get out of the routine, overcome obstacles together, and create deep connections that continue on."

An envelope of 25 years

The "OneFamily" organization, the national organization for victims of terror and bereaved families, was founded about 25 years ago by Chantal and Marc Belzberg. The organization provides a holistic response that includes individual and group psychological support, resilience workshops, emotional accompaniment, and financial assistance.

Since the events of October 7, the organization has significantly expanded its activities to provide a response to the thousands of victims and new families who have joined the circle of bereavement and injury. The founder of the organization, Chantal Belzberg, previously won the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement in recognition of her many years of work for victims of terror in Israel.