The third annual Zoharim Youth Village Memorial Race has become a beloved tradition for the young men following in their footsteps.

Today, Israel is covered in memorial stickers of fallen soldiers with their faces, names, and quotes. Before heading out to run, each student chose a sticker, pasted it onto their shirt, and ran with it for the entire 5K race.

Noam, one of the 11th grade runners said, “During the run, when things get tough, when your legs burn and you run out of breath, you look at the sticker. A smiling face, the optimistic quote and you know you don’t have a choice. You have to keep going.”

Chaim Dan, Director of the Youth Village, said, “The run is no longer about us. It’s for him (pointing to the sticker on his shirt). It’s for them. When we run with the flag, you don’t run alone. You have a legacy of warriors that gave everything to defend the land and people that you are fighting for.”

You can see the true essence of the Zoharim Youth Village throughout the run - young men who don’t compete against one another, but run for one another and for the country that they are so proud to serve.

Thank you to everyone who took part, to everyone who remembers, and to everyone who continues to spread their light!