The celebration began at the Western Wall, where participants took part in a moving ceremony that included a Torah reading for the boys and a challah-baking ritual for the girls. The day’s atmosphere was both festive and emotional, blending laughter, song, and heartfelt moments of remembrance.

Following the ceremony, the group arrived at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem for the culmination of their special day. There, they enjoyed coffee, desserts, and a chance to unwind before the evening program began in the museum’s main auditorium.

The event opened with an energetic drumming performance by Drubkomania, followed by greetings from senior officials representing Israel’s Ministry of Defense, the IDF, and the Israel Police, including Aryeh Moalem, Deputy Director and Head of the Department of Families, Commemoration, and Heritage; Lt. Col. Meital Samet Cohen, Head of the IDF Casualties Department; and others.

Jonathan Riss, CEO of the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem, expressed the Museum’s pride in its ongoing partnership with the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization.

“This is the third year we’re hosting you at the Museum, and we’re proud of this partnership,” said Riss. “This is a significant moment in every Jewish child’s life. You—the boys and girls—bring with you not only your presence but your bravery. The Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem sees itself as a home for IDF widows and orphans, and as a space to express solidarity with all Israelis, because we are all responsible for one another. We hope that you’ll continue to grow and find a life of happiness.”

The day concluded with a festive celebration in which each bar mitzvah boy received a pair of tefillin, and each bat mitzvah girl received a set of crystal Shabbat candlesticks—a meaningful gift to mark this milestone in their Jewish journey. The celebrations were accompanied by music and dancing from Trenta Groove Machine, leaving the participants with memories of joy, pride, and togetherness.

This special partnership between MOTJ and the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization reflects the Museum’s mission to honor resilience, foster healing, and create shared spaces of empathy and hope for all Israelis.