Israeli fans of singer Taylor Swift arrived at her concern in Lisbon recently wearing bracelets with the name of fallen IDF lookout Roni Eshel who was murdered on October 7 and commemorated her memory in a touching gesture.
Eshel dreamed of attending the American pop star's concert after she was discharged from the IDF before the murderous attack took place. Swift's Israeli fans decided to fulfill her dream and raised Israeli flags with Eshel's name written on them at the start of the singer's European tour in Lisbon and wore beaded bracelets with her name to commemorate her.
Eyal, Eshel's father, was touched by the initiative. "It touched us deeply," he said in a conversation with Ynet. "This blessed initiative ultimately lets us know that Roni is being remembered, and we’re so proud of her even after her death. We’re very proud of the youth who think her death wasn’t in vain or had no meaning. We’re happy the youth are doing everything they are to commemorate her in every possible way, and we thank you very much for that."
He added that he believes the singer will personally acknowledge his daughter at some point, "I’m certain Taylor Swift knows who Roni is. I know some of the girls gave her bracelets and beads with her name. I’m very happy the younger generation knows how to commemorate Roni."