The ancient walls of the Tower of David Jerusalem echoed with song, light, and emotion as more than 100 bereaved families from across Israel come together on May 27 for “A Time to Love”—a powerful evening of healing through music, organized by the nonprofit Project Imahot in collaboration with Koolulam and the giving platform, SMILE.
This moving musical gathering fell on the week of Jerusalem Day, a time celebrating the reunification of Israel’s capital in 1967, and was carefully timed to take place after Israel’s Memorial Day, allowing families to transition from mourning to hope.
It offered a moment of unity, comfort, and strength for mothers, fathers, and children who have lost loved ones—soldiers, civilians and festival-goers—since the events of Oct. 7, 2023.
Following a showing of the museum’s “Night Spectacular” show, the highlight for the families was the musical experience, led by Koolulam, a social singing initiative credited with bringing thousands together in harmony.
Families learned to perform together She’Hashemesh Ta’avot Ala (“That the Sun Will Pass Over Me”), a beloved Israeli song by Israeli singer and songwriter Yardena Arazi. The lyrics express a quiet prayer for strength and guidance, making it a fitting anthem of hope.
Tammy Burke came from Bet Shemesh for the evening with a friend. “I love singing, but since Zamir was killed, it’s something that does not come easily anymore.”
Staff Sgt. Zamir Burke, a combat engineer with a huge smile and heart, was just 20 when he was killed only six months ago, at the end of November 2024. A guitar player who loved singing and reading, Zamir was also an excellent student who volunteered for five years with children with special needs.
“When I heard about this event, I thought that it would be a great idea to try and sing, to do it together with other bereaved parents,” his mother said. “And we were greeted with such warmth, respect and love.”
Project Imahot (“Mothers” in Hebrew) was founded by Jerusalem-based dentist Stephanie Journo, who made aliyah from France in 2003. With one son serving in the Golani Brigade and another soon to enlist, Journo felt a deep and personal responsibility to support bereaved mothers—those whose lives had been upended in an instant.
“In times like these, mutual responsibility isn’t just a value, it’s a lifeline. I truly believe that only by standing together and looking out for one another can we grow into a stronger, healthier society,” she said.
What began with a few local mothers seeking comfort has since expanded into a nationwide support network. Today, Project Imahot provides support to more than 140 mothers across the country. Services include individual counseling, group therapy and sessions in music, movement and art—designed to help these women process grief, rediscover strength and begin to heal.
“The impact goes far beyond the individual,” said Journo. “When a mother begins to find her footing again, the whole family feels it. It creates a ripple of resilience.”
The decision to hold the event at the Tower of David was deliberate. “To me, the Tower is a pastoral and meaningful place,” she added. “Its beauty under the open sky, the history it carries and the way people can gather here. It’s a space where real emotional connection can happen.”
Eilat Lieber, director and chief curator of the Tower of David museum, echoed that sentiment.
“The Tower of David is more than a symbol— it stands as a testament to the city’s enduring resilience throughout the ages,” she said. “Surrounded by the strength and beauty of the citadel, we hope that you find comfort, connection and a sense of belonging. We are grateful to our friends Alissa and Shimmie Horn for enabling the event to take place at the Tower of David.”
Imahot is supported by SMILE, an Israeli nonprofit platform that helps impactful social initiatives grow. The platform offers charity gift cards that allow people to mark birthdays, holidays or memorial events by supporting meaningful causes across Israel. SMILE is the first charity to be featured on BuyMe, Israel’s leading gift-card platform, making it easier to “give as a gift.”
“In a time when so many families are carrying pain, giving in honor of others becomes a powerful act of connection,” said SMILE co-founder Daphne Seroussi. “By turning a gift into a donation, we bring more care into the world—and help build resilience, together.”
“A Time to Love” was more than an evening of music. As voices rose in unison beneath the Jerusalem sky, the musical message was crystal clear: Even in loss, there is love. Even in darkness, there is a path forward toward the light. Through song, community and care, families took one more step toward healing, together.
“My sincere hope is that people walk away with goodness in their hearts, a sense of joy, even if that’s fleeting, a smile on their face, a feeling of calm and the strength to carry on,” Journo said.
Tammy Burke answered her hope, saying, “Zamir would have loved this. It was so heartwarming to be together and know that you weren’t alone.”
