Yakir Hexter, a 26-year-old Israeli soldier, was killed in Gaza on January 8, 2024, during a war. Before his death, he had been about to begin his third year of architectural studies at Ariel University. Instead of pursuing his dream career as an architect, he put on his army uniform and reported for duty. His mother, Chaya Hexter, is now bringing his story to South Africa through the Yakir's Light exhibition, which combines his architectural drawings and artwork with her photographs of grief.
The exhibition, part of the South African Zionist Federation's (SAZF) program marking three years since the attacks of October 7, will run in Johannesburg from October 5 to 9. Chaya Hexter will personally guide visitors through the work and speak at the SAZF's communal commemoration on October 7. For Hexter, taking the exhibition outside Israel is about ensuring that Yakir is remembered as a person, not just as one of the soldiers killed during the war.
Yakir was a talented and accomplished individual who served as a combat engineer in the 8219th Battalion of the Commando Special Forces Unit. He was an athlete, artist, Talmud scholar, and gourmet chef who raised money for disabled children through running and cycling. Much of his charitable work was done quietly, and Hexter continues to hear new stories about him from people who knew him. His humility and gifted nature have left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
When the war began, Yakir was called up and served two tours in Gaza. Despite having the opportunity to return to university, he chose to return to his unit, saying, "There's no way I'm leaving my brothers." A week later, Yakir was killed alongside his close friend and study partner. The wait for news was traumatic for Hexter, who recalled the 10-hour wait for the Israeli military to inform her of her son's death in person.
Photography became a way for Hexter to process her grief, and she began documenting her experience without intending to create a public collection. Her photographs, along with Yakir's drawings and architectural projects, form the Yakir's Light exhibition. The exhibition showcases the life, creativity, and potential that were lost, and Hexter hopes visitors will encounter Yakir as an individual and learn from his story.
Hexter believes that one person's story can help people understand the scale of loss in a way that numbers cannot. She hopes that visitors will learn from Yakir's life and be inspired by his humility and kindness. For Hexter, bringing Yakir's story to South Africa is also about remembering all the soldiers who died in the war and ensuring that their stories are not forgotten.
The Yakir's Light exhibition will be on display in Johannesburg from October 5 to 9, 2026, with attendance limited and advance registration required. Chaya Hexter will be the keynote speaker at the SAZF's October 7 commemoration in Johannesburg. Through her exhibition, Hexter aims to keep her son's memory alive and inspire others with his story.
Key points
- Yakir Hexter's story is being shared through the Yakir's Light exhibition, which combines his architectural drawings and artwork with his mother's photographs of grief.
- The exhibition aims to showcase Yakir as an individual and help people understand the scale of loss during the war.
- Chaya Hexter hopes that visitors will learn from Yakir's life and be inspired by his humility and kindness.
