18 years ago, this brave 17 year old girl named Ella Abecassis z"l performed the ultimate act of heroism. She put her own life in danger to protect the life of her 10 year old brother during a rocket barrage from Gaza.

She, her brother and her friend were returning home after Bnei Akiva activities in Sderot. They were a few meters away from their house when rocket sirens started to sound. The 3 of them managed to cross the road by running but then they heard the whistle of the rocket coming closer to them. Ella didn't hesitate and she jumped on her brother and protected him with her body. At that moment a Qassam missile landed and exploded about five meters behind her. As a result of the explosion, Ella was fatally injured by shrapnel that hit her head and died. Her brother was moderately wounded in the head too but survived.

Ella performed the ultimate act of courage, heroism and sacrifice to save the life of her loved one.

May her memory be for a blessing.