"קדימה הלאה"

"Kadima Ha’Lea" Crowdfunding Campaign – In Memory of Lieutenant Omri SchwartzJust a few days before he was killed in battle in northern Gaza on December 20, 2023, Lieutenant Omri Schwartz wrote in his war journal: "We’re heading out for a dangerous raid tonight, but somehow-the smile won’t leave my face. This is what I have trained for, this is what I was waiting for. I am now a part of this nation’s legacy. Suddenly, everything makes sense. Our generation, now it is OUR turn. The smile won't fade away because all the experiences I’ve gathered and the people around me- just won’t allow it. I couldn’t have asked for a better life, more loving parents, a closer family, greater love, or better friends. Keep laughing and enjoying, because I have lived life to the  fullest." While for us the smile barely comes out these days, we take comfort knowing  that Omri is truly a meaningful part of this country’s legacy. Sadly, it is indeed his generation; tragically, it was his turn. Omri was too good, too rare, too beloved. We choose to continue learning from his personality, to walk in his light, and to spread his legacy. Omri’s heroic story and his unique personality inspired the creation of  the "Omri Schwartz – Kadima Ha’Lea" Foundation, dedicated to carrying Omri's mission forward. Over the past year, the foundation has launched several projects inspired by Omri, including: • Sharing his story,  in a dedicated educational program for school students • An inspirational panel meet-up, under the theme of "Quiet Leadership" in collaboration with the Yezreel Valley Academic College. • The annual "Beer & Singing" event—a night of singing and remembrance held every year on Omri’s birthday, August 1. • Supporting "Omri’s Cohort" in Be’eri, where young post-army volunteers engage in agriculture, education, and work at the Be’eri industrial plant which is rebuilding after the October 7 massacre. Prior to his military service, Omri volunteered for a service year in Kibbutz Be’eri, forming a deep bond with the place and its people. Tragically, many are no longer among us, following the October 7th terror attack on the Kibbutz. Omri’s Cohort in Be’eri embodies his passion for agriculture, rural life, volunteering, and community service—continuing his legacy in the Western Negev and the Gaza border region. Two Major Initiatives Moving Forward:From the deep of our grief, we are launching two sustainable and meaningful projects that will carry Omri’s light forward: 1. The "Havura" InitiativeOmri was always part of a tight-knit group, and his passing at 21 has left countless circles of friends in  sharp pain. This initiative seeks to empower bereaved friends, provide support for groups in the  processing of  loss, and raise awareness of the often-overlooked "bereaved friends" community. Activities will include: • Support groups for grieving friends • Development of social initiatives • Physical gathering spaces for bereaved groups. The first of these will be "Omri’s Pub", a social pub to be built on the grounds of our family farm. 2. "Omri’s Fields" – A Nature Therapy RetreatA dedicated space in the fields of Moshav Sde Dov, designed as a therapeutic nature retreat for groups and individuals. The space will include: • A Poike (outdoor cooking) area • A shaded gathering space • Hammocks & relaxation spots • Scenic lookout points • Nature trails & music Omri loved We Need Your Partnership- How can you help?Help us commemorate Omri, share his legacy, and continue his journey. Every donation will directly fund one of the listed projects. We invite you to join us in "Omri Schwartz – Kadima Ha’Lea", and continue (marking) echoing the path Omri paved in his too-short life. Resources for further reading about Omri: Read "Omri for the Weekend": Facebook Link Memorial Instagram Page: Instagram Link Listen to _ "Omri Shome’a? ( can you hear?)" –  by Yehali Sobol YouTube Link For more information about the foundation and its projects, and support of our efforts, please contact: Nina Herstein Shitrit – 050-2726554 Donations are processed through the "Galila Foundation", registered non profit organization, to allow for tax-deductible contributions.