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Absolutely devastating

13 year old Adva Miriam took her life after shocking bullying - Now her mother is speaking out

What happened to Adva is a wake-up call for our entire society. We cannot wait for the next tragedy to take action.

Depressed teenager kid girl taking hand of adult woman
Photo: Shutterstock / fizkes

In a heartbreaking exclusive interview, mother shares her devastating loss and urgent message to parents and students, as anti-bullying activists call for immediate systemic change

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Tzameret, mother of 13-year-old Adva Miriam from Acre, never imagined she would be sharing her daughter's story under such tragic circumstances. In an exclusive interview with News 14, she reveals the painful journey that led to her only daughter's death, hoping her loss might prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedy.

A Mother's Desperate Fight

For years, Tzameret watched as her daughter endured persistent social isolation at school. She became Adva's closest friend, but even a mother's love couldn't fill the void of peer rejection. "She just wanted one friend," Tzameret recalls, her voice breaking. "Just one."

The concerned mother tried everything: speaking with teachers, school administration, other parents. She even sent treats with Adva to share with classmates, hoping to break through the social barriers. But nothing seemed to work.

The Final Hours

Early Sunday morning, at 3:06 AM, while the house was quiet and dark, Adva made her final decision. After showering and changing into white clothes, she whispered a few words to her beloved mother, then climbed to the window of their sixth-floor apartment.

Adva Miriam, described as a beautiful, energetic girl with dreams and aspirations, ended her life that morning. Her only wish had been to have friends – even just one friend – a wish that remained unfulfilled.

A Mother's Message

Through her profound grief, Tzameret is now on what she calls her life's mission. Her message echoes the work of anti-bullying advocates nationwide: "Be kind. Open your eyes. Ask your children if anyone is being excluded, and encourage everyone to play together."

School Response

The Ministry of Education expressed "deep sorrow" over Adva's death and offered condolences to the family. In their statement, they noted that while they are investigating the incident thoroughly, no direct connection has been found between the tragic event and social exclusion. They emphasized their zero-tolerance policy toward social isolation in schools.

The Ministry has established a helpline (6312*) for students experiencing social exclusion or bullying.

Rising Calls for Change

Leading anti-bullying activist Shiri Kenigsberg Levi, knows the phenomenon of bullying in Israel inside out. She founded "Sea of Friends" (Yam Shel Haverim) association after her daughter experienced terrible school bullying. "Every child deserves to feel safe and included at school," says Kenigsberg Levi, whose organization has grown to 40 branches across Israel with over 35,000 members. The "Sea of Friends" has become a lifeline for many families facing similar challenges.

Building Support Networks

Kenigsberg Levi's organization offers several resources for families dealing with social exclusion:

- Community support groups across Israel

- Educational programs for schools

- Tools and strategies for parents and educators

- Regular events promoting inclusion, including the "Ratzim B'Tov" race

Taking Action

Experts emphasize that preventing social isolation requires a community-wide approach:

- Parents should regularly discuss inclusion and kindness with their children

- Schools must implement and enforce clear anti-bullying policies

- Communities should support organizations like "Sea of Friends" that provide crucial support networks

- Students should be encouraged to report bullying and stand up for isolated peers

Resources for Families

Families dealing with social exclusion can reach out to:

- The Ministry of Education's helpline: 6312*

- "Sea of Friends" community groups across Israel

- School counselors and mental health professionals

- Local anti-bullying organizations and support networks

Channel 14 contributed to this article.

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