President Reuven Rivlin on Sunday evening, made a shiva visit to the family of Sgt. Elchai Taharlev who was murdered in a car ramming terror attack at Ofra Junction, Thursday, 10 Nissan 5777.

President Rivlin heard from the family, of Elchai’s pride at being recruited into Golani, of his intentions to train to be an officer, and of his desire to defend his country. His parents told the President of Elchai’s childhood in the community of Talmon, where they were one of the founding families.

President Rivlin expressed his deep sorrow for their loss, warmly embraced members of the family, and spoke of the high price that the people of Israel have paid, and continue to pay for their independence in our land.

Elchai’s father, Rabbi Ohad Taharlev, said, “Elchai, in his own special way, in his quiet and calm character, brought so much good to so many, and had such an impact on so many people; in his life, and in his death.”

Elchai’s mother, Avital, added, “Elchai was a boy who saw good in others. We said to ourselves that with this darkness, we have also been given the keys to light and compassion. If we can grow this light, we can also keep Elchai’s memory here in this world.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Amos Ben-Gershom, GPO)