Modi’in project with Rochester Jewish community turns fallen soldiers' stories into memorials

The Modi'in-Rochester Partnership (P2G), celebrating its 23rd year, has collaborated with the Modi'in Municipality to create "misholim" – paths and public markers commemorating fallen soldiers from both communities. This initiative honors 35 soldiers from Modi'in, including Yonah Brief, who died after being wounded on October 7, and Yonatan Dean Chaim, an oleh from Rochester killed in Operation Swords of Iron. Each path features a QR code linking to the soldier's story, with placements often significant to their lives, such as Eden Zimri's path between her home and community pool. David and Hazel Brief, Yonah's parents, noted the uniqueness of this support, stating, "Many other bereaved families have to struggle against their city or town to even name a bench in their son's name." This project, along with programs like "Journey for Identity," emphasizes in-person relationships and communal depth, aiming to strengthen Jewish identity and connection between Israel and the Diaspora, especially as traditional forms of support evolve. As Zigi Avni, P2G chairman, stated, "It's not the same anymore." Now we need "the spirit, the ideas, the partnership."