Gil-Ad Sha’ar.  Naftali Frenkel. Eyal Yifrach. Three names that will forever be engraved upon the collective heart of the Jewish nation. The agonizing days following their abduction brought with them an unprecedented display of unity and love that drew our nation together as one.  From all corners of the world, Jews of all stripes gathered en masse in tearful prayer, dread, and above all, supreme closeness. The ensuing outpouring of anguish and grief expressed by all upon receiving the difficult news of their murders al Kiddush Hashem was the symbol and stamp of Jewish unity.

Many felt an intense need to preserve this remarkable spirit of closeness, and the goal was achieved in Shiru Achim, an inspirational unity event held one year from the tragedy. The affair was attended by the bereaved parents and families, Ofir and Bat-Galim Sha’ar, Avi and Rachel Frenkel, and Uri and Iris Yifrach, along with Maj. General (Res.) Benny Gantz, who served as IDF Chief of Staff of the IDF during the terrorist abduction; US ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro; and Raanana Mayor Zeev Bielski. Celebrated Israeli pop singers and musicians volunteered their musical talents for the evening in Park Raanana which was attended by some 5,000 participants who assembled to experience the unity that had drawn our nation together then and reaffirm their commitment to that unity for the future.

The event was generously sponsored by the Danielle Foundation in loving memory and l’ilui nishmat Danielle Sonnenfeld, whose life was one long expression of connection and love for her fellow Jews.