A New Torah Scroll Honors Israeli Colonel Killed in October 7 Massacre

Jerusalem, 2 May, 2024 (TPS) -- A celebration was held in the city of Kiryat Ono (located near Tel Aviv) for the reception of a newly written Tora Scroll that was commissioned in memory of the late Lt. Col. Asaf Hamami, who was killed by Hamas terrorists during the Oct 7 massacre at Kibbutz Nirim. Hamami was the commander of the southern brigade in the Israel Defense Forces’ Gaza Division. His body was taken away to Gaza by terrorists and was found on Decmber 2. 2023.

The Tora seen here is Sephardic – a Tora in the style used by Jews of Middle Eastern Origin. It is distinguished from Ashkenazic (European) Tora scrolls in that it is kept inside of round wooden container that opens to reveal the scroll inside. This one is covered with silver.

European/Ashkenazic style Tora scrolls are ordinarily wrapped in a cloth cover.

Kiryat Ono, May 1, 2024.
Photo by Eitan Elhadez-Barak/TPS