Jerusalem, Israel - May 11, 2016 -Ammunition Hill was the site of a bloody 1967 battle against raging Arab armies. Israeli soldiers fought from trenches to regain access to land held by Jordan after the war in 1948, Located near the Ramat Eshkol and Maalot Daphne neighborhoods, it is now the site of a memorial and museum center. On Yom Hazikaron, as the sun set and the memorial siren sounded throughout Israel, "The Untold Stories of Fallen Soldiers," a memorial ceremony sponsored by the Lone Soldier Center in memory of Michael Levin was held in the outdoor theater in northern Jerusalem, Israel, on Ammunition Hill.

The Israel flag was lowered, and the first ever English program for Yom Hazikaron was introduced by Ari Abramowitz, director of the Land of Israel Network and former lone soldier. Jacob Flaster, dressed in uniform for the opening of the program, called for a small honor guard to enter.

Former lone soldier and director of special projects at the Lone Soldier Center, Ari Kalker, spoke first, explaining the significance of the evening event. While throughout Israel, there are memorials large and small, public and private, this was the first time one was planned and presented in English to focus on lone soldiers who fell in battle.

Joshua Flaster, national director of the Lone Soldier Center spoke of the commitment of former lone soldiers to help those who are new to have a better experience.

The evening highlighted personal stories, Michael Rebibo, spoke of his experience in the Tank Crops from 1981-1983, and of his good friend and fellow lone soldier who was killed in the first Lebanon War.

Originally from South Africa, Joshua Brook who is madrich of new lone soldier house in Jerusalem, told the story of another lone soldier who was killed.

Harriet Levin, mother of Michael Levin z"l in whose memory the center was established spoke of her great loss, but included a bit of humor. She retold how Michael had made a surprise visit home during his time in the army, arriving at her door step enclosed in a giant gift box.

Honorees participating in the program included, Tziki Aud, who has worked with lone soldiers for decades, Akiva Werber, former shilach, who now volunteers at the center to help olim. Brett Lowenstein, from Boca Raton who will be drafting soon, and Joshua Voss, former paratropper, who is not a volunteer adviser at the center.

Tehilim, Kaddish, El Maleh Rahamim, and HaTivkah were included in the emotional evening, with meaningful musical interludes by the a cappella group, KOLture Shock.


Chilly night winds blew throughout the hour long program, but the stories were from the heart and warming. 

Hundreds more ceremonies and visits to military cemeteries around Israel and especially Har Herzl, will go throughout Wednesday, until sunset, when the somber mood will shift and Yom Haatmaut celebrations for Israel Independence Day and its 68th year begin.