(haipo) – Yossi Tzur lost his son Assaf in the attack on line 37 in Haifa. Now, 22 years later, he has produced and released a song and video in his memory: "The longing grows stronger day by day."
As the 22nd anniversary of the attack on bus line 37 in Haifa approached, Yossi Tzur, the father of the late Assaf Tzur, produced a special clip in his memory.
Using AI technology, Yossi was able to revive moments from Assaf's life and bring them to viewers in a tangible and moving way, combining photos, videos, and a song written from the depths of pain and longing.
"As Asaf was"
The new song, based on lyrics written by Yossi Tzur together with musician Tal Segev and composer Gal Shamir, presents Assaf as he was in his life – an energetic, cheerful teenager who surfs, travels, plays the guitar and is surrounded by friends.
"I wanted to do something that would show what he was like," says Yossi. "This year I entered into a conflict between the 17 years he was with us, and the 22 years he is no longer here. I decided to focus on what we received, not what could have been different."
22 years of memory and longing
The Tzur family notes that the pain does not fade with the years, but only increases. "The trauma grows as time passes, the memories fade, while the longing grows stronger day by day," says Tzur. The song and music video created by the family are intended to continue to perpetuate Assaf's memory and keep him alive in the public consciousness.
To revive a memory
In an era where technology allows for new ways of commemorating, Yossi used digital tools to revive his son's memory. "I decided to create a clip using AI, which allows us to present Assaf as he was. The ability to see his character in motion, hear the song that talks about him and see snippets of his life – it's something that gives the feeling that he's still with us."
An exciting post on social media
In a Facebook post, Yossi wrote: "As the 22nd anniversary of the attack approaches, and the memorial service for Assaf (Blondi), our son, approaches, we are releasing a new music video in his memory. This is a song and video of pain, memory and longing. Everyone who is exposed to it will strengthen Assaf's presence in the world. Everyone who sees and hears it will help keep him with us a little longer."
A memory that continues to hurt
Assaf was one of 17 people killed in the attack on bus number 37 in Haifa on March 5, 2003. At the entrance to the Carmelia neighborhood in Haifa, at noon, when many students were returning from school, a Hamas suicide bomber blew himself up on the bus, killing and wounding many passengers, including teenagers returning from school. Haifa, a mixed city known for its coexistence, was deeply shaken by the attack.
Preserving memory over the years
Yossi Tzur is one of the most prominent when it comes to preserving the memory of the victims, working to commemorate them not only through annual commemorations, but also through works that connect the past and the present. "Asaf's memory does not fade, but as the years pass, the fear that the stories will fade increases," he says. "This clip is another way to preserve Assaf's image and pass on who he was."
Since its release, the clip has received thousands of views and shares on social media. The song that accompanied the clip was composed and performed by Tal Segev, a well-known musician who often writes personal songs that touch on the depths of emotion.
Call to the public: Remember Assaf
The Tzur family hopes that the new song and music video will reach as many people as possible and will perpetuate Assaf's memory for many years to come. "Please help us keep Assaf, his spirit, his memory in the world, for a little longer," Yossi asks. For the family, everyone who watches the music video or listens to the song becomes part of the commemoration process and keeps Assaf's memory alive in their hearts.
The lyrics, as mentioned, were written by Yossi Tzur, the music and vocals are by Tal Segev, and the music video is the work of Gal Shamir.
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I remember the attack like it was yesterday, the magnitude of the disaster, and especially Assaf Tzur – Blondie. A fair-haired, handsome boy.
I remember Yossi, "Blondie's" father, saying that Asaf dreamed of traveling the world and asked everyone who could to send a stone or pebble or piece of rock from all sorts of places in the world we visited.
Many people responded to the request, and so masses of stones were piled up on Assaf's grave plot in the Haifa cemetery. They were all souvenirs sent by people. I also sent beautiful stones that I collected on one of the Greek islands. Since then, I always remember Blondie, and now the sounds of the song echo in my head.
May his memory be blessed, preserved, and cherished in the hearts of his lovers forever 💔