David Rokni, Longtime Commander of Israel’s Independence Day Torch-Lighting Ceremony, Dies at 94
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4 Articles
David Rokni, Longtime Commander of Israel’s Independence Day Torch-Lighting Ceremony, Dies at 94
JERUSALEM — David Rokni, the longtime commander of Israel’s annual Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony, has died at the age of 94. A retired Israel Defense Forces colonel, Rokni directed the nationally televised ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem for more than three decades, overseeing the military formations and flag bearers that open the country’s Independence […]
The unforgettable commander of the torch-lighting ceremony on Mount Herzl has passed away at the age of 94. Rockani, a retired lieutenant colonel, served as commander of the torch-lighting ceremony and the transition from Memorial Day to Independence Day for 34 years, a role that made him an Israeli icon. President Herzog paid tribute to him: "A model of statesmanship and love of country"
Rokni served in the Golani Brigade for 35 years in headquarters and training positions, and as part of his reserve service, he led the torch-lighting ceremonies from 1983 to 2016. He led the last ceremony at the age of 84. "For me, everyone was moving," he said when asked about the ceremony he remembered most.
At the age of 94, the legendary commander of the torchlight procession, who served as commander for about 30 years, passed away. This year, he was recognized along with other key figures at the "Dear Iranian Community" ceremony in Sderot.
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