Volunteers and young men from the United States who study in Israel at the Matityahu Yeshiva arrived at Kibbutz Kerem Shalom, on the Gaza border, and planted a new vineyard - in honor of the soul of Amichai Weitzen, a member of the settlement's readiness class, who fell while defending the kibbutz on October 7.
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The move was initiated and donated by Ayelet Hashachar, which has been working since the beginning of the fighting on a variety of projects to strengthen the settlements in the encirclement and connect the parts of the people.
The vineyard was planted in a complex intended for a future community winery, an idea that Amichai himself promoted over the years. The residents of the kibbutz expressed appreciation for the initiative, which is an encouragement for them in the restoration process.
The activity was led by Rabbi Shlomo Raanan, chairman of Ayelet Hashachar, together with the yeshiva's management, as part of a campaign to strengthen the young men.
After the planting, the young men toured the kibbutz, passing through the damaged houses, and visited Amichai Schindler - who was mortally wounded in the Battle of Kerem Shalom - at his home and heard from him about his inspiring journey of rebirth, accompanied by the musician Itzi Ackerman, who accompanies the yeshiva and the organization. The young men sang soulful songs together and prayed in memory of the fallen.
Rabbi Shlomo Raanan said during the visit: "Amichai sacrificed his life to protect this place. When young men and volunteers come here to plant a vineyard, they continue his vision, and strengthen the connection to the surrounding area and the families who are restoring their homes."
The project joins a long line of activities led by Ayelet Hashachar: establishing a prayer tent in Hatufim Square, building synagogues across the country, accompanying families in need, and connecting diverse communities for over three decades.
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