Tirat Carmel Mayor Dudu Cohen presented Pete Harkin, Maxim's brother who is celebrating his bar mitzvah this month, with a set of tefillin and a personalized tallit and a gift for his 13th birthday. Mother of kidnapped Maxim Harkin: "Thank you to our people, who really strengthen me."
Tefillin and Tallit
In an emotional meeting that took place this morning (Thursday, 13/3/25), the mayor of Tirat Carmel, Dudu Cohen, presented a set of tefillin and tallit to teenager Pete Harkin – the younger brother of Maxim Harkin, a resident of the city who was kidnapped by Hamas – on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah, which he will celebrate this month.
The mayor also gave Pete a giant Lego kit to build a model of the luxury Lamborghini. Pete promised the mayor to finish building it today, by this evening – "so that it will be ready when Maxim returns."
"They will accompany you for life"
"These gifts are from all the residents of Tirat Carmel," the mayor told an excited Pit. "The tefillin and tallit will accompany you for the rest of your life. As Jews, it is our duty to protect other Jews, and even after everything we have been through as a people, and as difficult as it is - we must not despair. And we have come to support and help as much as possible, I promise Pit that we will also attend his bar mitzvah."
"Feeling our people"
Pete arrived at the meeting with his mother, Tela Harkin, who thanked the mayor for the touching gesture: "Thank you very much, I feel our people and our nation, who really strengthen me."
Maxim Harkin, a resident of Tirat Carmel, was 35 years old when he was kidnapped on October 7, 2023, from the Nova party complex, 524 days ago.
Kudos to the mayor for showing sensitivity and mutual commitment to Maxim's family. I hope he returns.
Congratulations to the Mayor of Tirat Carmel, Mr. Dudu Cohen, for this moving advice.
Happy Shabbat Shalom and blessed and happy fruitful holiday. From me, Rafi Hasson, Daliat El Carmel.