President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal hosted the family of Yemenu Zalka, murdered on Independence Day, at the President's Residence on Wednesday evening. Herzog called on Israeli society to fight 'terrible violence' and baseless hatred, saying a society is destroyed from within by hatred and violence. The family launched the 'Love Like Yemenu' movement to eradicate violence.
The meeting took place on Wednesday evening, July 22, 2026, at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, marking three months since the murder of 21-year-old Yemenu Zalka on Independence Day. Zalka was attacked and fatally stabbed by a group of teenagers in Petah Tikva. The family has been vocal in calling for an end to youth violence, with sister Yerusalem Zalka previously testifying at a Knesset committee and stating that 'murder is murder regardless of age.' The President's call for societal unity ahead of Tisha B'Av, a day of mourning traditionally associated with reflection on baseless hatred, echoes the family's message. The 'Love Like Yemenu' movement aims to promote mutual responsibility and eradicate violence. The Zioneer previously reported on the family's Knesset testimony and the sister's statement.
3 developments
- StrongYemenu Zalka's sister: 'Murder is murder, regardless of age' — slams youth crime normalization
- DevelopingYemenu Zalka's family delivers searing testimony at Knesset committee on youth violence
- StrongSuspect in Yemenu Zalka murder case changes Instagram to anonymous after threats
- DevelopingCourt releases key suspect in murder of Yemenu Zelka over prosecution objection
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