On the 4th anniversary of beloved OTS educator Yaakov Don’s murder at the hands of a terrorist, the Derech Avot high school, where Don educated and served as the social coordinator for many years continued its tradition of remembering and perpetuating his legacy through gathering at the site of the murder in tefilla – prayer – and song.

Hundreds of students and former students, teachers, parents, friends, and of course the Don family gathered on the morning of the azkara for uplifting Shacharit prayers at the Gush Etzion Junction , followed by a large circle of singing and dancing and a walk along Highway 60, up the hill toward Efrat and through the gates of Derech Avot. “Praying in this specific location, and a joint march to the school are the most appropriate way to commemorate Rav Yaakov,” said OTS director of special projects, Avichai Foa, who organizes the event each year. “Yaakov was very connected to the world of tefilla, to Eretz Yisrael in general and to Gush Etzion in particular, and of course to his students and fellow staff members.”

May his memory be a blessing and a continued source of inspiration.