Teddy bears bring Einav’s Hug to Bramley orphanage

Former hostage Or Levy, his four-year-old son, Almog, and mother-in-law Pnina Elkayam, were joined by members of the South African Jewish community on Sunday, 31 August, in donating teddy bears to a local orphanage, Bramley House, in Pretoria.

The donation of the bears, named “Einav’s Hug”, was created in memory of Levy’s wife, Einav, who was murdered on 7 October 2023 at the Nova festival, and honours her legacy.

Organised by The Base and Jewish National Fund (JNF) South Africa with the support of the Pretoria Hebrew Congregation and the Israeli embassy, the project embodies the Jewish value of chesed (loving kindness). Each teddy bear represents an embrace, a message of love and hope, and a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, light can continue to shine.

“To know that, because of Einav, other children will feel comforted and cared for is something that brings light into the darkness for a really special family,” Saul Jassinowsky, founder of the project, said at the orphanage. “Being here, with Pnina, Or and Almog, giving these teddy bears in her memory, helps to carry her love forward.”

On 7 October 2023, Levy was kidnapped by Hamas and held hostage in Gaza for 491 days before his release. He found out that his wife had been murdered only on his release. Standing with his son and mother-in-law, he described the initiative as “deeply moving and healing”.

Rabbi Levi Medalie of the Pretoria Hebrew Congregation reflected on the Torah’s teaching of the world being built through kindness. He said that through acts of compassion, we not only bring comfort to those in need, but also merit to the soul of the departed. “Today, these teddy bears carry Einav’s love forward,” he said, “and her light lives on in the smiles of the children who receive them.”

The initiative forms part of a broader series of projects by The Base and JNF South Africa, who have been working closely with the Israeli embassy to bring released hostages, survivors, and bereaved families to South Africa for respite, healing, and connection. “Einav’s Hug” is a reminder that even in moments of profound pain, we can choose to respond with compassion.