Concert to be held in memory of officer who died in Mt. Herzl accident

Family and friends of deceased IDF officer Hila Betzaleli are organizing a benefit concert to be dedicated to her memory featuring some of her favorite singers, Israel Hayom reported Monday.

Betzaleli was killed last month when a stage light fixture collapsed on her during rehearsals for the central Independence Day ceremony at Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem.

According to the report, some of Israel’s biggest stars, including Shlomo Artzi, Aviv Geffen and Rona Keinan, have agreed to perform at the event planned for mid August, Betzaleli’s birthday. Concert earnings will be donated to the Elem foundation that aids at-risk youth.

Event organizers are trying to book the ancient amphitheater at Caesarea for the concert, but have yet to hear back from the site’s management.

Betzaleli’s brother Niv told reporters he was excited to be working on a project commemorating his sister’s life and her love for music.

“Hila always gave of herself. She volunteered to Magen David Adom, signed an organ donor card and traveled to India to train locals in first aid,” said Betzaleli. “The greatest satisfaction is that we can contribute to a worthy cause.”