Mila Cohen

Three members of three generations of the Cohen family—grandmother, son, and granddaughter, Yona, Ohad, and Mila—each had different birthdays, but they all died on the same day, October 7, 2023.

Mila was born on December 29, 2022, bringing light and love into her home. Over nine months, everyone enjoyed the family harmony that Mila created around her. A feeling of family wholeness, until that cursed Shabbat.

On Shabbat morning, Ohad, Sandra, and their three children entered their secure room. Ohad fought to defend his family when Hamas terrorists tried to break through the door. His calls for help were not answered. Sandra was severely wounded. Sons Liam and Dylan survived, but Mila and Ohad were murdered.

May her memory be blessed.

Prayer - Avraham Chalfi

I don’t know the words from which prayer is born.

All words are lost to my voice, have become a mute darkness.

But my eyes still see the spark in the eyes of a child, and my eyes still see:

A star of unmatched brilliance, and worried-faced mothers steering their small ones to the light.

What will be with them? What will be?

Listen to their breathing joy in the spring,

which seems as if it will never end.

I will bow before the role of God even if he has vanished from my eyes.

Do no wrong to the innocent,

they do not know why lightning strikes a fruit-bearing tree.

Do no wrong to the innocent.