Our story
On Memorial Day in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, memorial ceremonies in cemeteries were prohibited.
As a result, the initiative “Stones with a Human Heart” was launched by the organization “Nava,” led by Chavi Arenfeld.
The initiative aimed to create solidarity and unity with bereaved families who were prevented from visiting the graves of their loved ones, by placing decorated stones bearing messages of love and support on the graves of fallen IDF soldiers, on behalf of the families.
When embassies learned of the initiative, they approached the organizers with a request to place stones on the graves of fallen IDF soldiers whose family members live abroad — stones sent directly from Jewish communities overseas.
In a complex operation that required significant effort, thousands of decorated pebbles were brought to Israel and placed on the graves of the fallen.
At the same time, many volunteers joined the initiative, identifying with its values and wishing to take an active part in this important day.
The stone-laying operation was documented, and the families received a video or photo documenting the placement of the stone on their loved one’s grave. At the request of some families, a Psalm was recited in their name in memory of the fallen.
Memorial Day for fallen IDF soldiers — and in general, the anniversary of a loved one’s passing — is a symbolic and meaningful day that evokes many emotions.
The ability to visit the grave, to be alone with loved ones, and to offer words or prayer expresses a fundamental need of the bereaved and sometimes serves as a source of comfort and emotional expression.
The inability to reach the grave intensifies the pain.
The initiative conveys an important message to bereaved families — recognition that their loss holds meaning for the entire people of Israel.
The project provided a symbolic and moving alternative to physical presence at the cemetery.
“כי מדי דברי בו, זכור אזכרנו עוד” (ירמיהו לא, יט)
הצוות שלנו
מיכל וואכטל חלמיש
מנהלת פיתוח בחברת מיקרו פוקוס ומנהלת בהתנדבות את עמותת “הקבוצה”
Chavy Erenfeld
Co-Director of the organization “Nava.” Chavi voluntarily coordinates the Passover Seder project for bereaved families. In her professional work, she manages the company “Chavi Arenfeld – Academic Education for Haredi Women.” She lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh, is married, and is a mother of three.
תהילה פרידמן
מייסדת ומנהלת ארגון “נאוה” החל משנת 2002. תהילה היא יזמית פעילה אשר פיתחה מספר תכניות ועסקים בישראל. בעלת ניסיון בניהול צוותי עבודה ופרוייקטים נרחבים. מתגוררת בקרית יערים, נשואה ואם לשישה.