About Yakir Li
About the Organization
The “Yakir-Li – A Hand and Heart for Civilian Bereavement” organization was founded in 2015 out of deep personal pain and has since become a beacon of hope for countless families who have experienced profound loss. Our story begins with Pini, the father of Dasi Rabinowitz, a young and inspiring woman who passed away at the age of 19 after a long battle with cancer.
Dasi possessed extraordinary optimism, a deep love for people, and a strong belief in the power of mutual responsibility. She touched the hearts of many with her sensitivity, her ability to see the good in everyone, and her desire to help those around her. During her illness, she brought public attention to the rights of patients to receive a second opinion and equitable medical treatment.
Throughout her life, Dasi spread a message of joy and compassion. One of the most touching expressions of this was her voicemail message of a song called “Circles of Joy,” left for the Oren family in Jerusalem two weeks before her passing. It reached her family during the shiva, in a deeply moving way.
What is Civilian Bereavement?
“Civilian bereavement.” Two words filled with sorrow, pain, and loss. They describe families who have lost loved ones to serious illnesses or tragic events. This profound pain affects every layer of society yet often goes unrecognized and unsupported. These families frequently find themselves facing immense heartbreak alone, without adequate resources or a structured support system to help them rebuild.
Pini’s Experience – The Journey He Embarked Upon, Unaware of Its Weight
After Dasi’s passing, Pini found himself and his family alone. On the eighth day, when the shiva ended and those around them returned to their routines, the pain and devastation remained solely within the family.
“When the shiva ended,” Pini recalls, “I realized I was facing a new reality. I had to deal with a loss whose enormity I couldn’t comprehend, and I embarked on a journey I didn’t know how heavy it would be.”
This personal and painful experience led him to turn his grief into strength, to create a wide-reaching support network that ensures no family is left to cope alone. Together with Dasi’s unofficial legacy – to spread “circles of joy” of strength, hope, and comfort – Pini set out on a mission that would change the lives of many families in Israel.
The Vision Behind "Yakir-Li"
The vision of “Yakir-Li” is to create a sensitive, supportive, and inclusive Israeli society that recognizes the unique needs of families facing civilian bereavement and provides them with tools for coping, recovery, and finding new meaning.
We believe that a strong and united society is measured by its ability to embrace all its members, including the most unseen families.
The Unique Challenge of the Organization
Civilian bereavement, caused by severe illnesses or tragic events, often does not receive widespread recognition or structured support. While military/national bereavement or other specific circumstances are acknowledged and supported by institutional frameworks, families dealing with civilian bereavement are often left to face their grief, isolation, and emotional and financial hardships on their own.
The challenge lies in shedding light on these families, providing them with emotional, social, and practical support, and advocating for full recognition of their rights—ensuring every family receives the assistance it deserves.
Our Mission
The “Yakir-Li” organization was established to provide families experiencing civilian bereavement with a comprehensive and in-depth support system, from the first day of loss to full recognition of their rights.
How do we achieve this?
The Change We Seek to Lead
The “Yakir-Li” organization was established to provide families experiencing civilian bereavement with a comprehensive and in-depth support system, from the first day of loss to full recognition of their rights.
Achieving full public recognition
Bringing the issue into public discourse and changing social awareness
Creating tailored support systems
Developing tools and programs to ensure long-term emotional and social support
Strengthening the community
Building a strong social network to accompany families throughout their journey
Promoting policy change
Advocating for legislation to guarantee civilian bereaved families the rights and support they deserve
Looking Ahead
Since its founding, “Yakir-Li” has become an anchor of support for hundreds of families in Israel. We continue to draw inspiration from Dasi and her message: to spread circles of joy, hope, and comfort, even in the most painful moments.
Our future lies in a clear vision: a society that recognizes every family that has experienced loss, provides them with tools to cope, and leads true social change. “Yakir-Li” is growing, making an impact, and lighting the way for countless families, with one clear goal – no one should have to face loss alone.
