Nahal Oz Families Honor Fallen Soldiers with Annual Tea Time Festival
Families of the fallen Nahal Oz observation soldiers honor their daughters' memories with the third annual "Tea Time" music festival, celebrating their vibrant lives.
Three years after the tragic events of October 7, 2023, the families of the Nahal Oz observation post soldiers are keeping the memory of their daughters alive through music and the tradition of "Tea Time." Before the Hamas attack, the young women had organized a farewell party for Shahaf Nisani, featuring disco balls, glowing napkins, and comfort food.
Today, grieving families are channeling that vibrant spirit into the annual "TEA TIME" festival. "The girls understood with deep feminine wisdom that the way to survive their demanding role was to stick together and create a community," shares Gili Leibushor, mother of the late Yael Leibushor. The festival, now in its third year, combines memorial installations, graffiti walls featuring lyrics written by the soldiers, and performances by top Israeli artists.
Despite the crushing grief, families find solace in the collective celebration. Sharon Ashel, mother of the late Roni Ashel, notes how music helps lift the profound depression. The upcoming event at Hangar 11 in Tel Aviv features artists like Noa Kirel and Yasmin Melson, performing songs from the soldiers' original songbooks. The festival serves as a poignant reminder of the vibrant lives cut short, embodying a powerful message of unity and resilience.
