The keynote speaker was Galit Waldman, mother of Maj. Ariel Ben Moshe, a commander in Israel’s elite Sayeret Matkal unit, who lost his life on October 7 while defending against a Hamas attack. She shared the tragic events of that day, including messages from Ariel and her two other sons who were also fighting to regain control of the southern region during the assault.

Waldman recounted learning of Ariel’s death from his younger brother, Shavit. “He died under an olive tree on a kibbutz—a place meant for life, not death,” she said, emphasizing the peaceful nature of these communities.

Despite her grief, Waldman expressed that she harbors no anger toward anyone—not the government, nor the army. She encouraged HaShomer HaChadash volunteers, who safeguard Israel’s farmlands from criminal activities, to “never apologize for who you are.”

She also highlighted the importance of Israel as the Jewish homeland, passed down by their ancestors, and stressed that “the Jewish people have no other home.” Waldman underscored the organization’s motto, “Love of the Land,” as a rallying call for the next generation.

After her speech, volunteers toured the Museum’s exhibits, “06:29: From Darkness to Light” and “Documenting Israel: 75 Years of Vision.”