A 2-million-shekel gift: Mexican Jewish community builds park for Yahalom unit

The inauguration ceremony for the Fighters' Park of the Yahalom unit took place this Tuesday. The project, costing approximately 2 million shekels, was made possible through generous donations from the 'Yahad Lemaan HaChayal' (Together for the Soldier) organization and KKL Mexico. The new complex is designed to support the unit's personnel through welfare activities, community gatherings, and official ceremonies.

The event was attended by an official delegation of donors from Mexico, representatives of KKL, officials from the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers, and the unit commander, Colonel A. The delegation was led by Jose Acher, former president of 'Yahad Lemaan HaChayal' in Mexico and current board member. During their visit, the donors toured the unit's mock tunnel training complex and participated in the park's dedication.

Project Overview:

• Construction cost: approximately 2 million shekels

• Donating bodies: 'Yahad Lemaan HaChayal' Mexico and KKL Mexico

• Executing body: The Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers

• Project target: Yahalom unit of the Combat Engineering Corps

The initiative to establish the park began during a Hanukkah event within the Jewish community in Mexico, where a decision was made to fund a 'Center of Honor' to express appreciation and commemorate the contributions of those serving in the IDF. The project's completion was delayed for several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war, but it has now been finalized at the Yahalom unit base.

At the center of the park stands a replica of the impressive 'Ner Tamid' (Eternal Flame) monument. The original, six-meter-tall monument was previously erected in Mexico in memory of IDF soldiers. This replica is dedicated to the memory of the unit's fallen fighters and symbolizes the enduring commitment of the Jewish community in Mexico to Israel and its soldiers.

The park is designed as a social hub for the unit's fighters and commanders, serving as a venue for memorial services, award ceremonies, and personal milestones. Even prior to its official opening, the site has already hosted several moving events, including a henna ceremony for a unit officer whose family celebration was canceled due to the current security situation.

'The inauguration of the Fighters' Park is another expression of the deep commitment of the Jewish community in Mexico to IDF soldiers and their welfare. We thank the 'Yahad Lemaan HaChayal' Mexico organization and KKL Mexico for a significant contribution that will provide Yahalom fighters with a worthy and respectful space. The warm connection with the donors in Mexico has accompanied IDF soldiers for years and illustrates the power of mutual responsibility between the Jewish people in the Diaspora and the State of Israel,' stated Colonel (Res.) Shari Nachmias, CEO of the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers.