Most of my tears since Raz's death come from pain and loss. Few tears of mine come from happiness. Today, my tears are falling for THANKS.

THANK you for allowing me to understand from what place I allow myself to fall.

THANKS for remembering us.

THANKS for trying so hard to force me/ us to understand what we need so much but don't allow ourselves to do.

THANKS for giving me the opportunity to see what I need to give to myself.

THANKS for a day filled with pleasure.

Love from the bottom of my heart,

Ora Laper Mintz- Raz's mother

 Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the event that you organized for us, the bereaved parents.

From my point of view… you raised the flag up high in honor of our loved ones , who served their country with pride and fell while protecting it.

You didn't forget them or their parents.

You warmed our hearts and souls and even shed some light in our direction.

May you and your family be blessed….. Hugs and Kisses from us,

Yafit and Arieh Itach- Tzachi's parents

There are not enough words to express the feelings and excitement that we felt tonight.

Firstly, if it's the willingness in you to try to instill in us the mothers,  who have lost their precious sons, so you have succeeded…. and in a great big way! I personally laughed and cried the whole night through from moments of happiness and sadness.

Throughout the day and into the night, everything was thought of, organized, planned, to the very last detail. It's such a great feeling to meet such good people, who volunteer and try to make everything perfect for us. I will stand by your side and support you every inch of the way. Thanks for making this happen !!!

Keep up your strength….

Valerie and Shirli     Belina Boanish   - mother

To a special lady,

We wanted to say a few words about our very special meeting that touched us with your warmth, love and caring,  that reached our hearts and souls.

Your open heart, fulfilled us with a day full of happiness, love, joy,and belief . With that we were able to feel good in spite of our loss.

The lecture by Bar Tor, the meeting with Rona Ramon, the group of the " 5 Rythyms" that brought us to a magical, musical world, the reflexology, and more, was priceless.

A big thanks goes out to you and may you continue to have the strength and courage to continue ……

Thank  you, Thank  you,  Thank  you

Yossi and Leah Gilboa

Dear Irit,

In the Nishmat Kol Hai (the Soul of Every Living Being) prayer we say:

"Were our mouth as full of song as the sea, and our tongue as full of joyous song as its multitude of waves……we still could not thank You sufficiently"

Even with the best of intentions, these words will not be able to express our enormous gratitude.  We are at a loss for words to thank you Or to Families Association, and dear Irit, who is larger than life, [and who has been blessed] with a huge heart and pure soul!

Thank you for all your efforts, your generosity, and tremendous dedication!

With much love, high esteem and sincere appreciation,

Rachel and David, Boaz's parents 8 June 2003

Irit My Love

My Fair Lady - that is who you are to me - the fairest of them all.  The person who makes sure that we will never be at a loss for words, who helps us regain our lives, transforming us into eloquent and articulate speakers.  You are the one who makes us stand before the mirror of life, demanding that we live, that we be princes and princesses, that we get dressed up, dance, sing, and in short you prepare us for the big gala – the gala of life.  

Thank you and a big hug, love you lots,

Miriam Peretz, Mother of First Lieutenant Uriel, 25 November 1998, and Major Eliraz 26 March 2010

Dear Irit,

I felt the need to tell you how I feel about what you do, simply based on the wonderful things I've heard about you and your activities.  We are not acquainted.

On Monday, my husband came back late at night from an event at Habima Theater, overcome with emotion.

The events that you launch, have given great happiness to my family in recent years.

As I write these lines, my eyes are welling up with tears, and I have a lump in my throat; you know better than anyone else that every happy moment is more precious than gold to our family, and you, along with the Association, provide us with pure joy every year, with determination and persistence, with all your soul.

We can feel your soul.

The way you take care of the small details, your creativity, originality, making us feel that the Association is working for each and every one of us on a personal level, the way you treat people, your kindheartedness, your organizational skills and brilliance, all provide our family with a unique feeling that is worth more than its weight in gold.

Thank you so much.  This year, my husband received a scholarship to study from the organization; this scholarship is important to us, like a breath of fresh air.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your efforts.

I thank you for bringing happiness to my family and for the very existence of the Association.

Your activity is not to be taken for granted - it is unique and fundamental!

If I can help in any way in the future, please don't hesitate to contact me.

And thank you again.

(Name kept) Anonymous

Dear and wonderful Irit,

Every time, we are amazed by the intensity of your embrace (in both senses of the word):

And we are also amazed by the incredible, moving event, which embraced us all and lifted our spirits, and by your hug and warm smile – which you personally offer to each and every one of us.

Thank you so much and kudos on a job well done!

Sara and Baruch Kahana, Parents of Nir, 8 December 2005 

Dear Irit,

Yesterday we held what was in my opinion the most memorable  memorial service for my Dvir.

Thank you for an incredible evening!!!

Dalia Emanueloff, Mother of Dvir, Operation Cast Lead, January 2009

To Kindhearted and Beautiful Irit,

 On my behalf, and on behalf of my wife Yehudit, I would like to express our appreciation for your extensive activity which suppresses our sorrow, even if it's only when we are in your company.   In your endeavors, you shed light that is akin to fireworks that brighten the darkness that has enveloped us since bereavement knocked on our door; you give each and every one of us a big and warm hug stemming from candid love and complete understanding of the magnitude of the sacrifice we have made for our people's freedom, the Nation of Israel.

We pray to God that He will continue to give you the emotional and physical strength and enable you to carry on with your noteworthy activity which is conducted out of great respect for bereaved families.

Sincerely and with love Shimon Bitan, Father of Nir, 5 May 1988

Irit, Beautiful Angel, the One and Only,

 I am searching for words to express how much we enjoyed ourselves.  The colorful reception, all the "Fair Ladies" who welcomed us at the entrance and greeted us with a friendly smile and a flower in their hands, gave us a feeling of warmth within our bodies and hearts.  We were surrounded by smiling and funny clowns, and whether you liked it or not, you smiled right back at them.

[This included] moving encounters between parents who have already met, warm and reinforcing hugs, background music which created a pleasant atmosphere all evening, and accompanied us on our way to the buffet and the delicious meal.

And in the auditorium there was constant activity, not a dull moment on stage or in the auditorium, the son of Shiffenbauer who was killed in the Helicopter Tragedy, was moving in his air force uniform, a handsome, modest and beautiful young man, huge Israeli flags that move us every time, were carried by youths – everything was terrific – from the children who were members of the band, to the orchestra, the singing performances, the acrobatics and the gymnasts – continuously delivering sheer pleasure; we wished that this moment would never end.

The Association anthem – what a terrific idea.

Nurith Hirsh and Rachel Shapira wrote this song together with their endless talent and an anthem was born "congratulations – Mazal Tov".

And the rendition?  Crème de la crème – they couldn't have made a better choice.

There was a scholarship awards ceremony, which presented grants to talented young people who lost close family members.

And there was also the play "My Fair Lady", which gives me great pride that we have such talented actors, Shani Cohen is a dream and Natan Detner, and all the rest.

And you??? You sat there modestly, not in the first row, but on the stairs.  On the stairs?  You deserve a royal throne - that is what you deserve!  But humble Irit, all you want to do is make us happy.

I embrace you, thank you, and appreciate [all that you do] and I still can't get over it.  You have recharged my batteries long term.  I just love, love, love you….

Ruthi Levi, Mother of First Lieutenant Eyal Mishal, 19 August 1993

Dearest Irit,

 “We can’t stop the music”

The music of your giving

Has made our hearts quiver

And has awakened joy.

 Thank you

For the joyful moments full of light that you have brought to my life

And for being the one who makes sure to bring “Women’s Day” to my door step

since the demise of my husband Eliezer.

Miriam Peretz

Mother of First Lieutenant Uriel Peretz of the Golani Commando Unit who was killed in action

Hi Irit,

It was great.

Mainly, thank you for your thoughtfulness and boldness to bring us touching lectures that teach us that it is in our capacity to change our state of mind and way of life, you allow us to get in touch with our pain and yet experience hope that life can indeed go on,

And you bring people to us, who show us how.

We embrace

Don’t cry

Ira

Hi Irit,

You have indulged me and I thank you for that, I would like to take advantage of this opportunity you have given me to take respite from the challenges I now face.  I am going through trying times, and the approaching holidays don’t make it any easier.  I want to tell you that when my thoughts overwhelm me, I think of the wonderful people like you, your capacity for giving and for caring, that doesn’t even exist in one’s own inner family circle.  Thank you for being who you are. 

Love,

Mary

Dear noble woman!

I can’t stop thinking about you and your willingness to give.  I think that the value of giving really sums up your personality.  You serve as a role model, and many a time I use your deeds as an example for the pupils I teach (may I remind you, 1750 pupils)

 Last week I returned from Poland with a delegation of 97 pupils.  We all returned Zionistic and more patriotic, understanding the concept “we have no other country” better than ever, and wanting to give, meaning to enlist to combat units, to help Holocaust survivors, and to contribute of our time to society.

You teach these values and actually put them into action.

May you be blessed my dear woman,

Chag Sameach and may you experience great joy from your endeavors.

Please send our regards and our love to the person who stands by you, and who is a supportive admirer,

Always filled with love and excitement,

Edna and Uzi Walenstein, Ashkelon

Good morning Irit,

You’ve done it once again

Once again you as a family have helped free families from the huge black abyss so that they can get back on track. 

In any other situation in which I’d meet some of the families [who lost their loved ones in] Operation Cast Lead, I would have thought of families who have sunk into the endless oblivion of bereavement. 

Because in their faces I saw my own reflection at the first meeting at your home.

And today, three years later, to a great extent thanks to you, we have gone back to living, and to the wonderful possibility of returning to a life based on giving; I know that they will also pick up the pieces, each and every person, when the time is right, and in their own way, to continue with their lives. 

I am thankful for every second that you insisted that we come.

I am thankful for every second that I shared with you. 

I am delighted that I have the knowledge that Sagi and his friends understand that we haven’t been abandoned, and because of people like you their death was not in vain.

Because you represent the epitome of good in Israel, the Israel that embraces and supports others.

And as one of the fathers said yesterday,

When Irit calls the word no simply doesn’t exist

I give you and Shlomo a huge hug,

The Hassons BH (The powerful with G-D's help)

Liora and Yankele Hasson, parents of Guy who was killed in action in the Second Lebanon War 

Good morning Irit,

You’ve done it once again

Once again you as a family have helped free families from the huge black abyss so that they can get back on track. 

In any other situation in which I’d meet some of the families [who lost their loved ones in] Operation Cast Lead, I would have thought of families who have sunk into the endless oblivion of bereavement. 

Because in their faces I saw my own reflection at the first meeting at your home.

And today, three years later, to a great extent thanks to you, we have gone back to living, and to the wonderful possibility of returning to a life based on giving; I know that they will also pick up the pieces, each and every person, when the time is right, and in their own way, to continue with their lives. 

I am thankful for every second that you insisted that we come.

I am thankful for every second that I shared with you. 

I am delighted that I have the knowledge that Sagi and his friends understand that we haven’t been abandoned, and because of people like you their death was not in vain.

Because you represent the epitome of good in Israel, the Israel that embraces and supports others.

And as one of the fathers said yesterday,

When Irit calls the word no simply doesn’t exist

I give you and Shlomo a huge hug,

The Hassons BH (The powerful with G-D's help)

Liora and Yankele Hasson, parents of Guy who was killed in action in the Second Lebanon War 

Most of my tears since Raz's death come from pain and loss. Few tears of mine come from happiness. Today, my tears are falling for THANKS.

THANK you for allowing me to understand from what place I allow myself to fall.

THANKS for remembering us.

THANKS for trying so hard to force me/ us to understand what we need so much but don't allow ourselves to do.

THANKS for giving me the opportunity to see what I need to give to myself.

THANKS for a day filled with pleasure.

Love from the bottom of my heart,

Ora Laper Mintz- Raz's mother

 Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the event that you organized for us, the bereaved parents.

From my point of view… you raised the flag up high in honor of our loved ones , who served their country with pride and fell while protecting it.

You didn't forget them or their parents.

You warmed our hearts and souls and even shed some light in our direction.

May you and your family be blessed….. Hugs and Kisses from us,

Yafit and Arieh Itach- Tzachi's parents

There are not enough words to express the feelings and excitement that we felt tonight.

Firstly, if it's the willingness in you to try to instill in us the mothers,  who have lost their precious sons, so you have succeeded…. and in a great big way! I personally laughed and cried the whole night through from moments of happiness and sadness.

Throughout the day and into the night, everything was thought of, organized, planned, to the very last detail. It's such a great feeling to meet such good people, who volunteer and try to make everything perfect for us. I will stand by your side and support you every inch of the way. Thanks for making this happen !!!

Keep up your strength….

Valerie and Shirli     Belina Boanish   - mother

To a special lady,

We wanted to say a few words about our very special meeting that touched us with your warmth, love and caring,  that reached our hearts and souls.

Your open heart, fulfilled us with a day full of happiness, love, joy,and belief . With that we were able to feel good in spite of our loss.

The lecture by Bar Tor, the meeting with Rona Ramon, the group of the " 5 Rythyms" that brought us to a magical, musical world, the reflexology, and more, was priceless.

A big thanks goes out to you and may you continue to have the strength and courage to continue ……

Thank  you, Thank  you,  Thank  you

Yossi and Leah Gilboa

Dear Irit,

In the Nishmat Kol Hai (the Soul of Every Living Being) prayer we say:

"Were our mouth as full of song as the sea, and our tongue as full of joyous song as its multitude of waves……we still could not thank You sufficiently"

Even with the best of intentions, these words will not be able to express our enormous gratitude.  We are at a loss for words to thank you Or to Families Association, and dear Irit, who is larger than life, [and who has been blessed] with a huge heart and pure soul!

Thank you for all your efforts, your generosity, and tremendous dedication!

With much love, high esteem and sincere appreciation,

Rachel and David, Boaz's parents 8 June 2003

Irit My Love

My Fair Lady - that is who you are to me - the fairest of them all.  The person who makes sure that we will never be at a loss for words, who helps us regain our lives, transforming us into eloquent and articulate speakers.  You are the one who makes us stand before the mirror of life, demanding that we live, that we be princes and princesses, that we get dressed up, dance, sing, and in short you prepare us for the big gala – the gala of life.  

Thank you and a big hug, love you lots,

Miriam Peretz, Mother of First Lieutenant Uriel, 25 November 1998, and Major Eliraz 26 March 2010

Dear Irit,

I felt the need to tell you how I feel about what you do, simply based on the wonderful things I've heard about you and your activities.  We are not acquainted.

On Monday, my husband came back late at night from an event at Habima Theater, overcome with emotion.

The events that you launch, have given great happiness to my family in recent years.

As I write these lines, my eyes are welling up with tears, and I have a lump in my throat; you know better than anyone else that every happy moment is more precious than gold to our family, and you, along with the Association, provide us with pure joy every year, with determination and persistence, with all your soul.

We can feel your soul.

The way you take care of the small details, your creativity, originality, making us feel that the Association is working for each and every one of us on a personal level, the way you treat people, your kindheartedness, your organizational skills and brilliance, all provide our family with a unique feeling that is worth more than its weight in gold.

Thank you so much.  This year, my husband received a scholarship to study from the organization; this scholarship is important to us, like a breath of fresh air.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your efforts.

I thank you for bringing happiness to my family and for the very existence of the Association.

Your activity is not to be taken for granted - it is unique and fundamental!

If I can help in any way in the future, please don't hesitate to contact me.

And thank you again.

(Name kept) Anonymous

Dear and wonderful Irit,

Every time, we are amazed by the intensity of your embrace (in both senses of the word):

And we are also amazed by the incredible, moving event, which embraced us all and lifted our spirits, and by your hug and warm smile – which you personally offer to each and every one of us.

Thank you so much and kudos on a job well done!

Sara and Baruch Kahana, Parents of Nir, 8 December 2005 

Dear Irit,

Yesterday we held what was in my opinion the most memorable  memorial service for my Dvir.

Thank you for an incredible evening!!!

Dalia Emanueloff, Mother of Dvir, Operation Cast Lead, January 2009

To Kindhearted and Beautiful Irit,

 On my behalf, and on behalf of my wife Yehudit, I would like to express our appreciation for your extensive activity which suppresses our sorrow, even if it's only when we are in your company.   In your endeavors, you shed light that is akin to fireworks that brighten the darkness that has enveloped us since bereavement knocked on our door; you give each and every one of us a big and warm hug stemming from candid love and complete understanding of the magnitude of the sacrifice we have made for our people's freedom, the Nation of Israel.

We pray to God that He will continue to give you the emotional and physical strength and enable you to carry on with your noteworthy activity which is conducted out of great respect for bereaved families.

Sincerely and with love Shimon Bitan, Father of Nir, 5 May 1988

Irit, Beautiful Angel, the One and Only,

 I am searching for words to express how much we enjoyed ourselves.  The colorful reception, all the "Fair Ladies" who welcomed us at the entrance and greeted us with a friendly smile and a flower in their hands, gave us a feeling of warmth within our bodies and hearts.  We were surrounded by smiling and funny clowns, and whether you liked it or not, you smiled right back at them.

[This included] moving encounters between parents who have already met, warm and reinforcing hugs, background music which created a pleasant atmosphere all evening, and accompanied us on our way to the buffet and the delicious meal.

And in the auditorium there was constant activity, not a dull moment on stage or in the auditorium, the son of Shiffenbauer who was killed in the Helicopter Tragedy, was moving in his air force uniform, a handsome, modest and beautiful young man, huge Israeli flags that move us every time, were carried by youths – everything was terrific – from the children who were members of the band, to the orchestra, the singing performances, the acrobatics and the gymnasts – continuously delivering sheer pleasure; we wished that this moment would never end.

The Association anthem – what a terrific idea.

Nurith Hirsh and Rachel Shapira wrote this song together with their endless talent and an anthem was born "congratulations – Mazal Tov".

And the rendition?  Crème de la crème – they couldn't have made a better choice.

There was a scholarship awards ceremony, which presented grants to talented young people who lost close family members.

And there was also the play "My Fair Lady", which gives me great pride that we have such talented actors, Shani Cohen is a dream and Natan Detner, and all the rest.

And you??? You sat there modestly, not in the first row, but on the stairs.  On the stairs?  You deserve a royal throne - that is what you deserve!  But humble Irit, all you want to do is make us happy.

I embrace you, thank you, and appreciate [all that you do] and I still can't get over it.  You have recharged my batteries long term.  I just love, love, love you….

Ruthi Levi, Mother of First Lieutenant Eyal Mishal, 19 August 1993

Dearest Irit,

 “We can’t stop the music”

The music of your giving

Has made our hearts quiver

And has awakened joy.

 Thank you

For the joyful moments full of light that you have brought to my life

And for being the one who makes sure to bring “Women’s Day” to my door step

since the demise of my husband Eliezer.

Miriam Peretz

Mother of First Lieutenant Uriel Peretz of the Golani Commando Unit who was killed in action

Hi Irit,

It was great.

Mainly, thank you for your thoughtfulness and boldness to bring us touching lectures that teach us that it is in our capacity to change our state of mind and way of life, you allow us to get in touch with our pain and yet experience hope that life can indeed go on,

And you bring people to us, who show us how.

We embrace

Don’t cry

Ira

Hi Irit,

You have indulged me and I thank you for that, I would like to take advantage of this opportunity you have given me to take respite from the challenges I now face.  I am going through trying times, and the approaching holidays don’t make it any easier.  I want to tell you that when my thoughts overwhelm me, I think of the wonderful people like you, your capacity for giving and for caring, that doesn’t even exist in one’s own inner family circle.  Thank you for being who you are. 

Love,

Mary

Dear noble woman!

I can’t stop thinking about you and your willingness to give.  I think that the value of giving really sums up your personality.  You serve as a role model, and many a time I use your deeds as an example for the pupils I teach (may I remind you, 1750 pupils)

 Last week I returned from Poland with a delegation of 97 pupils.  We all returned Zionistic and more patriotic, understanding the concept “we have no other country” better than ever, and wanting to give, meaning to enlist to combat units, to help Holocaust survivors, and to contribute of our time to society.

You teach these values and actually put them into action.

May you be blessed my dear woman,

Chag Sameach and may you experience great joy from your endeavors.

Please send our regards and our love to the person who stands by you, and who is a supportive admirer,

Always filled with love and excitement,

Edna and Uzi Walenstein, Ashkelon

Good morning Irit,

You’ve done it once again

Once again you as a family have helped free families from the huge black abyss so that they can get back on track. 

In any other situation in which I’d meet some of the families [who lost their loved ones in] Operation Cast Lead, I would have thought of families who have sunk into the endless oblivion of bereavement. 

Because in their faces I saw my own reflection at the first meeting at your home.

And today, three years later, to a great extent thanks to you, we have gone back to living, and to the wonderful possibility of returning to a life based on giving; I know that they will also pick up the pieces, each and every person, when the time is right, and in their own way, to continue with their lives. 

I am thankful for every second that you insisted that we come.

I am thankful for every second that I shared with you. 

I am delighted that I have the knowledge that Sagi and his friends understand that we haven’t been abandoned, and because of people like you their death was not in vain.

Because you represent the epitome of good in Israel, the Israel that embraces and supports others.

And as one of the fathers said yesterday,

When Irit calls the word no simply doesn’t exist

I give you and Shlomo a huge hug,

The Hassons BH (The powerful with G-D's help)

Liora and Yankele Hasson, parents of Guy who was killed in action in the Second Lebanon War 

Good morning Irit,

You’ve done it once again

Once again you as a family have helped free families from the huge black abyss so that they can get back on track. 

In any other situation in which I’d meet some of the families [who lost their loved ones in] Operation Cast Lead, I would have thought of families who have sunk into the endless oblivion of bereavement. 

Because in their faces I saw my own reflection at the first meeting at your home.

And today, three years later, to a great extent thanks to you, we have gone back to living, and to the wonderful possibility of returning to a life based on giving; I know that they will also pick up the pieces, each and every person, when the time is right, and in their own way, to continue with their lives. 

I am thankful for every second that you insisted that we come.

I am thankful for every second that I shared with you. 

I am delighted that I have the knowledge that Sagi and his friends understand that we haven’t been abandoned, and because of people like you their death was not in vain.

Because you represent the epitome of good in Israel, the Israel that embraces and supports others.

And as one of the fathers said yesterday,

When Irit calls the word no simply doesn’t exist

I give you and Shlomo a huge hug,

The Hassons BH (The powerful with G-D's help)

Liora and Yankele Hasson, parents of Guy who was killed in action in the Second Lebanon War