The Hinneni Project:
Honoring The Fallen Through Art and RemembranCE
A collaborative art project with Partnership2Gether Hadera-Eiron of the Jewish Agency for Israel.
Ori’s Story
19 years old, from Pardes-Hanna Karkur. Son of Orit and Eyal, twin brother of Tamir, and partner of Mika. Sergeant Ori Locker, coming from a family of elite soldiers in special forces units, served as a soldier in Golani Brigade's Battalion 51 near the Gaza Strip. On Saturday, October 7, 2023, upon receiving reports of infiltrating terrorists in the Zikim area, Ori and his comrades immediately rushed to block the terrorists' entry into the Netiv HaAsara community, situated near the border. After an intense hour of valiant battle against hundreds of terrorists, where they were outnumbered, Ori, along with two of his comrades, fell together.
Ori’s favorite song:
“He was an innocent 19-year-old boy with dreams who loved this country so much. He was full of joie de vivre and just wanted to devour life. He loved going to parties, playing soccer, and loved the team Maccabi Haifa. He had a girlfriend named Mika, and they both had big dreams together after the army. He wanted to fly with her to South America together - and always told her that if he survived after the service, they would get married…I remember that when he was born, they put him between my hands, and I decided to call him Uri - from Orit. It's part of me. We had such a special bond, I worried and protected him all the time.
My son is buried, but he still lives in my soul. I understand now what they say, because I have a huge void in my body since he's not here.
We will do everything so that they will not forget my son and his heroic story, that they will not forget that he loved life so much - and the country he defended. Our hearts are with all the dead and their families.”
— Ori’s Mother
“All my life I've been used to having a twin brother, and I can't digest that I don't anymore, that I'm carrying his coffin…We had conversations about how if something happened in the army to one of us, we would take care of Mom and Dad and not leave them. I will never forget that he called me 3 hours before he was killed and I didn't answer, and for life - I will remember that this was the last call from my brother.
Uri loved life so much - spending time until morning, laughing, hiking in nature, listening to songs at full volume in the car. All our lives we did everything together - we played soccer, we had mutual friends, at school we were in the same class…It's confusing and strange that one day you are told that your brother is no longer alive.”
— Ori’s Brother
The Piece:
Medium: Oil Pastel
Size: 9”x12”
reflection
As a Jewish individual in the diaspora, I have often grappled with feelings of isolation and confusion. Recently, I had the profound honor of visiting Israel for my birthright trip. While paying respects at the Nova site, I came across a sticker on the wall of a bomb shelter. It was an illustration of Ori Locker, a hero whom I had the privilege of commemorating through this project.
In that moment, Ori’s sticker stood out like a beacon amidst the darkness, symbolizing our shared connection. It served as a poignant reminder that despite our distances, we are united as one nation with a singular journey, bound together by our collective love for one another.
I am deeply grateful to have participated in this project, which not only allowed me to contribute my skills to a greater cause but also connected me with other artists navigating similar challenges post-October 7th. This experience has strengthened my bond with the land of Israel and deepened my understanding of our collective struggle and the need for support.
Ori’s story profoundly impacted me, and I strive to share his legacy with everyone I meet, ensuring that his memory and sacrifice remain honored. Creating his portrait was an incredibly meaningful process for me, with each stroke on the paper serving as a form of kaddish. Being involved in this project was both healing and moving, and I hope I have done Ori’s memory justice. May his memory be a blessing forever.
Read More About This Project From All The Nashville Participants:
Ori’s portrait showcased at the October 7th Commemoration Ceremony, organized by The Nashville Jewish Federation