Cpl. Hillel Nehemiah Ofen z”l died nearly a month ago during a military training exercise. Last week, his family came to visit Ohr Torah Stone’s Yeshivat Hesder Metivta in the city of Carmiel, to see where Hillel studied, spent his free time, cooked and lived.

We showed the family where Hillel sat, where he learned, where he prayed. The students took the family to the piano corner where Hillel played and told them stories about Hillel, about what life was life in Metivta with him, and about the special light he radiated on us all.

In our memory, Hillel is still alive – he will be a part of our hearts forever.