This is one of those defining moments in life that makes me pause and reflect on our shared moments on this journey. I remember from my childhood that you worked – you worked a lot! You tirelessly traversed [the country], from the south to the north. You circled the globe in folk dance camps to spread your dances around the world. I remember the dolls you brought me from places in the world you visited as part of your work in Israeli dance. Remember when you brought me a life-size kangaroo and koala from Australia? From Austria – a huge purple box of “Milka” chocolates. That was before the era of WhatsApp and video. That’s how I learned where you take your steps in the world.

The first time I remember the recognition you received in your field was as artistic director at the Karmiel Festival. I remember the excitement, the warm greetings you received when we walked around together through the harkadot (dance sessions).

The Karmiel Festival has accompanied me since I was in the womb of my mother (Lucy) – who says that until she was in her ninth month of being pregnant with me, she would move from stage to stage and work with the dance companies. Later on, I remember myself as a child on the lawn of Karmiel until late at night. Each time, a different company member or choreographer took it upon himself to look after me, as I watched my father speak into the microphone and conduct the general dress rehearsal with great skill and talent.

From there we would continue on to production meetings until the wee hours of the night. At first, I just tried to sleep. Then, little by little, I expressed my opinion and you all took me completely seriously and appreciated my opinions. Already then I felt how tickled I was to join the lehakot (dance troupes), dance the “mayim” steps and raise our arms to the sounds of “Or” and “Karmiel Rokedet.”

I was moved by the unity that was created there on stage and the power that it generated. I appreciated it no less than a well stretched leg. Although I have always danced in professional settings (settings that also did not always appreciate Israeli dance enough), much to your credit, I felt strongly that Israeli dance is our cornerstone, and therefore, it burns and continues to burn in my bones to this day.

I remember our trips together during which you had to check out the music for the Karmiel Festival and we would listen to them in “loops”. There were old Israeli songs that I learned and came to know thanks to you. Maybe that’s why I always feel like I was born in the wrong era. Kids my age never understood how I knew Shoshana Damari, Yardena Arazi and Natan Alterman and how much I love this music.

To this day, in every setting I am in, I feel how important it is for me to incorporate Israeli dance and music. Therefore, every year, as part of my undergraduate studies in dance at Seminar HaKibbutzim (Kibbutzim College), I invited you and Mom to join me and conduct an event – an Israeli dance workshop – and expose the Seminar HaKibbutzim students to Israeli folk dance.

You also passed on to me the passion and desire to make the love of movement and dance accessible to everyone, as in “Dance Baby”, the project I created – dances for parents with baby carriers, so that they can move together with their baby from birth. That’s how Gillan (my husband), Alaia, and Luan – our sweet children, joined the circle of dancers.

The work that you and mom did with Jewish communities abroad inspired my work with the youth of Jewish communities, with whom I worked as part of Taglit (Birthright), or at camps in the United States. I understood very well the responsibility on my shoulders to convey the love for the land of Israel through the feet, through the body, and first and foremost – through the soul.

A defining moment in our relationship was when I started working with you in Lehakat HaStudentim. Our bond became even closer. We spent a great many hours together on intensely focused Saturdays or late-night rehearsals.

You are a man of work and action, a true “workaholic”. And all of this would not have been possible without the support of your family. They gave you the peace and quiet that a true artist needs – to create and be active.

My father! I still can’t believe I’m saying that you are an “Israel Prize “laureate” and there’s no one prouder of you than I am. Your determination, perseverance and endless work have always been and will always be a guiding light for me. Your love for what you do sweeps everyone who comes within your orbit off their feet.

The embrace and love you received from all those who love you and all the dignitaries at the ceremony, including the President (of Israel), moved me to tears. I felt like this entire journey of life was concentrated on one stage, full of recognition, for the amazing path you have taken and continue to take.

With pride and much love.