Following the passage of one year since the tragic murders of Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shar and Naftali Frenkel, the three families will be attending a series of events across Israel and in Jerusalem under the banner of #UnityDay – an international initiative to memorialize their sons through programs highlighting Jewish unity. These will serve as the primary public events for the families to mark the one year anniversary since their disappearance.

The day will include:

· Activities in schools, community centers, and public venues across the country attracting hundreds of thousands of participants

· A Jerusalem conference of Israeli and Diaspora thought-leaders discussing issues of relevance in Israeli society today that emerged from the events of the summer of 2014

· Reception and ceremony at the Residence of President Reuven Rivlin where the Jerusalem Unity Prize will be presented to four awardees who have been identified for their leadership roles in promoting Jewish unity in Israel and the Diaspora.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat along with the parents of Naftali Frenkel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrach inaugurated the new Jerusalem Unity Prize in memory of the kedoshim HY”D. The 100,000 shekel prize will be awarded once annually, on the day the boys were murdered. It will be given to a person or organization that works to bring achdus to Israeli society.

Also partnering in the prize along with the mayor and parents is the Gesher organization and UJA-Federation NY.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)