Roni Park
| Park Roni | |
|---|---|
| פארק רוני | |
 Aerial view of Park Roni | |
| Type | Memorial park |
| Location | Tzur Yitzhak, Lev HaSharon Regional Council, Israel |
| Area | approx. 60 dunams |
| Created | 29 November 2024 |
| Founder | Eshel family |
| Designer | Izzy Blank Landscape Architects Ltd. |
| Owned by | Drom HaSharon Regional Council |
| Operated by | Drom HaSharon Regional Council |
| Open | Yes |
Park Roni (Hebrew: פארק רוני) is a public memorial park established in 2024 in the northern part of Tzur Yitzhak, within the jurisdiction of the Drom HaSharon Regional Council, Israel. Covering approximately 60 dunams, the park commemorates Corporal Roni Eshel, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) lookout soldier who was killed during the October 7th attack in 2023, at the base where she was stationed in the Gaza envelope. The park is open to the public and combines elements of nature, landscape, and remembrance.[1]
Roni Eshel
Roni Eshel, daughter of Eyal Eshel and Sharon Malki Eshel, served as a lookout soldier in the Southern Command operations room of the Gaza border region. On the morning of Saturday, 7 October 2023—Simchat Torah-Hamas launched a large-scale terror attack on communities near the Gaza Strip and IDF bases.
At 04:00 AM, Roni began her shift in the operations room. By 06:29 AM, she had identified multiple infiltration points along the border fence and sent alerts to relevant military authorities. She continued to operate calmly for hours, transmitting alerts and calling for reinforcements, until the cameras were disabled.
At 09:27 AM, she sent her final message to her mother: "Mom, I'm okay. Don't worry about me. I love you too", followed by four heart emojis. After approximately six hours of combat, terrorists infiltrated the base, threw grenades into the operations room, and set it on fire. Roni was killed instantly at the age of 19. She was buried in the Kfar Saba military cemetery and is survived by her parents, a sister, and a brother.[1][2]
Establishment
The park was initiated by Roni's parents, who wished to create an open, natural, and personal memorial space reflecting her character and passions—nature, simplicity, and life. The project was carried out in cooperation with the Lev HaSharon Regional Council, KKL-JNF (Jewish National Fund), and the Lookout Soldiers' Association.
The park was officially inaugurated on 31 August 2024 in a ceremony attended by President Isaac Herzog, Roni’s family, fellow soldiers, IDF representatives, public officials, and local residents.[1]
Features
Park Roni includes walking trails, landscape terraces, an observation garden, seating areas, and plaques featuring Roni’s writings. The design reflects her quiet and modest personality and was executed by the landscape architecture firm "Izzy Blank Landscape Architects Ltd." Located on a hill in the northern edge of Tzur Yitzhak, the park offers scenic views and accessible paths for pedestrians and cyclists. Reconstructed lookout posts allow visitors to experience the work of IDF lookouts.[1][3]
Roni’s family sought to create a space that commemorates her life rather than only her death. They expressed a desire not for "a cold stone", but for "a place with breath, with life". The park's design avoids military symbolism and instead emphasizes open landscapes, tranquility, and excerpts from her writings. Roni had dreamed of becoming a landscape architect, and the park is seen by her family as a partial realization of that dream.[2][1][3]
Inauguration ceremony
The park was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by President Isaac Herzog, Roni’s family, fellow soldiers, officers, and public representatives. In his speech, the president stated: "Roni was a living human shield" and praised the crucial role of lookout soldiers in Israel's defense system.[4]
Gallery
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Commemorative sign at the entrance to Park Roni -
Recreated lookout stations in the park -
View of the lookout posts
References
- ^ a b c d e Sharon Kidon, "With original IDF command posts: A look at 'Park Roni', commemorating the lookout soldier who fell on 7/10", Ynet, 31 October 2024 (in Hebrew)
- ^ a b Yaron Doron, "A new park in memory of the late Roni Eshel: 'Children will learn and experience the work of lookouts'", Israel Hayom, 31 October 2024 (in Hebrew)
- ^ a b Dovik Zakai, "Weekend Trip: To the Lookout Garden in Tzur Yitzhak", TheCar, 8 November 2024 (in Hebrew)
- ^ Hodaya Ran, "With the President of Israel in attendance: Park Roni Eshel inaugurated in Tzur Yitzhak", Walla News, 31 October 2024 (in Hebrew)