Thousands gathered late last night to accompany Nesia Karadi, who passed away after succumbing to injuries sustained in an Iranian missile strike, in a levayah marked by grief, faith, and powerful expressions of emunah.

The young girl had been critically wounded nearly a month earlier when a missile struck her home on Rimon Street in Bnei Brak on the eve of Pesach, and doctors had fought to save her life until her passing on Friday.

The first to speak at the levayah was her uncle, Rav Michael Lasri, a well-known figure in outreach, who described the widespread spiritual awakening that took place during the past month as people across the country strengthened their observance, including accepting Shabbos earlier. “She had merits among all the great rabbis of the land. I’ve been involved in bringing people back to teshuvah for forty years, and she accomplished it in just a few weeks,” he said. Rav Lasri also asked that she serve as an advocate for the family: “because we need many miracles and wonders—we don’t know what will be.”

Rav Yigal Cohen, a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, also delivered a hesped, emphasizing the spiritual impact she had on the Jewish people. “This neshamah brought thoughts of teshuvah to the Jewish nation. Her only ‘fault’ was that she was born a Jew in the Land of Israel. Sadly, nearly a month after the incident, despite the parents tearing the heavens with prayer, Nesia was summoned to the heavenly yeshiva,” he said.

“The pure child who completed her mission in this world took with her to Heaven so many prayers,” Rav Cohen added.

Her father, Rabbi Elazar Elchanan Karadi, then addressed the crowd, speaking through tears yet expressing acceptance of the Divine decree. “I want to say thank you very much to the Creator of the world. That You gave me a child who taught me what true joy is, what love of Torah is. She was our happiness in life. Thank you very much to the Creator of the world, thank you very much to the rabbis, to the people of Israel, to Sheba Medical Center, to the doctors, to the organization ‘Ezer Mizion,’ and thank you to every person in Israel who took upon themselves a commitment, even the smallest one. Thank you to all those who donated blood—their blood will save lives in the Jewish people.”

He continued, “The child Nesia merited to illuminate the Jewish people with complete teshuvah, and we are the only parents in the world who were able to accept this with love from Hashem. I ask the dear people of Israel to continue strengthening themselves, to continue reciting Tehillim and learning Mishnayos for the elevation of her soul, and to take on a small commitment in memory of Nesia bas Hila. Approach the Throne of Glory and ask for father, mother, brothers and sisters, for grandmother, and for all of Israel, that He should send a complete healing to all of Israel.”

“ We ask you for forgiveness—we did everything we could for you, but the Holy One, blessed be He, wanted otherwise. We are certain that you will protect and influence all of Israel. And death will be swallowed forever, and Hashem will wipe away tears from every face—may we know no more sorrow.”