A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light
A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light
A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light
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St. Louis community gathers to honor Israel’s fallen

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published April 30, 2025

A solemn gathering of 300 community members commemorated Yom Hazikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) at the JCC on Tuesday evening, April 29.

The ceremony consisted of readings and poems in Hebrew and English, a torch lighting, and a one-minute siren. The event in communities around the world honors soldiers and victims who gave their lives to protect Israel.

Musical interludes were provided by soloists, the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School choir and the Shevel Keshet (Israel Scouts).

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About the Contributor
Bill Motchan, writer/photographer
Bill worked in corporate communications for AT&T for 28 years. He is a former columnist for St. Louis Magazine. Bill has been a contributing writer for the Jewish Light since 2015 and is a three-time winner of the Rockower Award for excellence in Jewish Journalism. He also is a staff writer for the travel magazine Show-Me Missouri. Bill grew up in University City. He now lives in Olivette with his wife and cat, Hobbes. He is an avid golfer and a fan of live music. He has attended the New Orleans Jazzfest 10 times and he has seen Jimmy Buffett in concert more t han 30 times between 1985 and 2023.