Initiative in memory of Yamanu Zalka: 90,000 shekels raised for a Torah scroll
Members of the Bnei Akiva branch in Malbes raised about 90,000 shekels to write a Torah scroll in memory of their friend Yamanu Zalka, who was murdered on the night of Independence Day. The scroll was dedicated during a moving procession near what would have been his 21st birthday.
A moving event took place on Thursday in Petah Tikva, marking the introduction of a new Torah scroll to the Bnei Akiva branch in Malbes in memory of Yamanu Benjamin Zalka, who was attacked and murdered at the pizzeria where he worked on the night of the last Independence Day. The late Zalka was a trainee, counselor, and coordinator of the 'Chevria Bet' group at the branch, as well as a significant and beloved figure among his peers. Today, his two brothers are also active trainees at the branch.
During the shiva (mourning period), branch members decided to take action that would honor his legacy and remain part of the branch's activities for years to come. They chose to commemorate his memory by commissioning a new Torah scroll to replace the one that had served the branch for many years.
Over the past few months, his friends conducted a fundraising campaign and successfully raised about 90,000 shekels. The Petah Tikva Municipality and the Zalka family supported the project, and the writing of the scroll was carried out with the assistance of the "Mantzichim" organization.
The event took place near Yamanu's 21st birthday and began at the Zalka family home with the writing of the final letters in the scroll and the delivery of tributes. Afterward, a festive procession, accompanied by singing and dancing, traveled from the family home to the Bnei Akiva branch in Malbes, where the scroll was placed in the Holy Ark.
Participants in the procession included Yamanu's family, his friends, branch trainees and alumni, branch manager Sapir Atlas, representatives of the national Bnei Akiva leadership, the Mayor of Petah Tikva, and other guests.
Bnei Akiva Secretary-General Yigal Klein stated:
"Yamanu was a significant part of the Malbes branch for years—from a young trainee, through his time as a counselor, to his role as coordinator of 'Chevria Bet'. It is moving to see how the friends who grew up with him chose, even in the difficult moments of the shiva, to turn their pain into an act of Torah, memory, and continuity. Every time they read from this scroll, Yamanu's image and the values he brought to the branch will continue to be present in the place where he grew up, in the spirit of Bnei Akiva."
