Ravid Chaim: A rare naming ceremony fulfills Tze’ela Gez’s final wish | WATCH

A rare naming ceremony was held today at the Gez family home in Samaria, as community leaders and mourners gathered to honor the memory of Tze'ela Gez, the mother tragically murdered in a shooting attack last week. The ceremony, marked by grief and hope, was bittersweet since the infant could not undergo the traditional circumcision due to medical concerns.

The family stated: "We decided to name our sweet baby so that they could pray for his recovery. His name in Israel will be Ravid Chaim Ben Tzala, may she rest in peace. Tze'ela loved the name Ravid very much because it is a beautiful and valuable jewel, and we added Chaim to pray that he will live."

Leading the prayers for the child’s swift recovery were Rabbi Meir Hilvitz, the chief Rabbi of Bruchin, and Yossi Dagan, governor of Samaria. Both leaders called upon the community to offer fervent prayers for Ravid Chaim, emphasizing the need for "abundant heavenly mercy" for the fragile infant.

In his heartfelt address to the assembled crowd, Tze'ela’s husband, Hananel Gez, vowed that her loss would not be in vain. “My dear Tze'ela, I love you so much,” he said. “We are here so that your murder will not be in vain.” Hananel condemned the rising violence and demanded robust security reforms. He expressed his deep dismay that pregnant women should live in fear of attack even while seeking to bring life into the world.

Adding to the collective call for change, Yossi Dagan pledged to intensify settlement efforts in the region by establishing a new town in Tze'ela’s memory. “We will cry louder,” Dagan vowed, “so that this will be the last attack.” Tze'ela’s sister also spoke, condemning the authorities for their repeated inaction despite a history of attacks in the area, urging for immediate and stronger protective measures.

The ceremony concluded with a collective reading of Psalms, as the community committed to fighting for justice and enhanced security.