Yasmine Tal Arnon passed away four years ago in the prime of life: mother of three daughters, wife of Dotan, a career woman and actively involved in the community of the kibbutz. Her life held the promise of a wonderful future but instead she was struck down by cancer, leaving her loved ones to weep and ask why fate has so cruelly torn a loving mother and wife from her family. WHY?

Yasmin was born and raised in Kibbutz Ramat HaShofet, the daughter of Aviva and Emanuel, the oldest sister of Matan, Libby and Yuval. In the kibbutz she was a member of the "Bar-Kochva" class; her teacher, Esther Toren, writes: "It was my privilege to teach your class because each new year brought new challenges, fulfillment and new experiences. In the days of your short illness, I saw the support given you by the girls of the class and also saw their tears when leaving your home loving and hurting. It reminded me that in your childhood years your group of girls could always be counted on; you yourself with your head held high, always helping, always taking responsibility, and always with your shy smile; the modest Yasmin smile. You excelled in schoolwork and were equal to the most brilliant boys in the class; you truly never fell short in anything. You carried yourself quietly and simply with focus and persistence. In all you did you strove for excellence: solving math problems, writing without errors, going beyond assigned tasks, and planning social activities. You truly had no equal, Yasmin ... "

The "Bar Kochva" class and Yasmin's family have decided to erect a memorial corner in the Kibbutz in her memory which will bring benefit to the kibbutz and all its residents, a fitting tribute to the spirit of Yasmin’s life. Yasmin, born and raised in the kibbutz, loved the glorious views of the surroundings of Ramat Hashofet and hiked in the area extensively, therefore it was decided to build an observation deck in the Kibbutz in her memory, a place for travelers to view the surrounding landscape and set out to explore the area.

An ideal spot already existed in the kibbutz, built by the community with a substantial investment, with integrated stone floor and benches, stone paths and complementing greenery. In order to make the deck suitable for travelers and hikers, shade canopies are needed over the benches as well as large panels detailing all the landmarks seen from the observation deck. To this end, we ask all those who cherish Yasmin's memory to donate whatever they can to help us complete the observation deck.

Below is a drawing of the additions to the observation desk drafted by the kibbutz after long deliberations. To view click here. 

With thanks in advance,

Members of the kibbutz Remembrance Committee, the Tal and Arnon families and members of the "Bar-Kochva" class