When Tamar, Muhammad, Abigail, Uri and David arrived at their new school this week, they probably met someone else there with the same name as them. Among the excited girls and boys who go up to first grade, there are many who share the same name - but each of them is unique and special
Uri
Uri Barel is starting first grade in Kadima Zoran located in central Israel. His mother, Tal, shared that "Uri was born in Hanukkah, and my eldest son, Yonatan, who's 13, didn't agree to any other suggestion and chose the name Uri. On the day Uri was born, two other babies named Uri, a boy and a girl, were born in the maternity ward."
Avigail
Avigail Levi is starting first grade in Kfar Yona. "In our family, names need to start with the letter 'A', have at least four letters and be clear in their pronunciation," her mother, Michal, said. "The name Avigail met all the criteria and when she was born, I said 'Avigail' to her, and her eyes opened – that was enough."
David
David Sabah is starting first grade in Harish, located in northern Israel. His father, Netanel, explained the choice behind his name. "We decided to name our son David after my father. All of my siblings named one of their sons David out of respect for him. My father was very happy. David is a beautiful name, a biblical name of King David," he said.
Or Tamar
Or Tamar Nakash is starting first grade in the Sdot Negev Regional Council located close to the Gaza border. Her parents, Yedidya and Dahlia, shared that "Or Tamar is named after Dalia's friend, the late fighter pilot Tamar Ariel. We wanted Tamar's light to shine through her. We wish her to spread light and goodness around her."
Muhammad
Muhammad Gulana is starting first grade in southern Israel's Be'er Sheva. His mother, Nasreen, shared that "Muhammad is named after the prophet Muhammad. It's a blessed name. We're not religious people, but we respect tradition and believe naming a child after the prophet Muhammad carries meaning and blessing."