Etzlenu Bagan by Shaylee Atary - אצלנו בגן - In our kindergarten | English lyrics

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Etzlenu Bagan - In Our Kindergarten (אצלנו בגן) is a Hebrew song written and composed by Yeftah Karzner, performed by Shi-Li Atari, and released on July 23, 2014, during Operation Protective Edge. The song uses a kindergarten as a metaphor to describe the camaraderie and dynamics among soldiers in the Israeli army, with lyrics like "In our kindergarten, there are many children, some of whom I love, some I don’t know." The song reflects on the fleeting nature of youth and the emotional weight of losing young soldiers, with its deeper meaning inspired by the death of Karzner’s friend, Tam Perkash.

Over time, "In Our Kindergarten" became associated with the Day of Remembrance for the Fallen Soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, often played during memorial services and state ceremonies. Its popularity was bolstered by multiple performances, including renditions by military bands and other artists such as Lee Byrne and Shay Harel.

In a tragic turn of events, Shi-Li Atari, along with her husband Yahav and their one-month-old daughter, were caught in the Kfar Gaza massacre on October 7, 2023, during a surprise attack on Israel. While they were hiding in a safe room, the terrorists attempted to break in. Shi-Li managed to flee with their daughter, but Yahav was killed during the incident.

Karzner explained that the song was written as a reflection on the loss of youth, with the metaphor of a kindergarten symbolizing the soldiers' innocence and youthfulness. The song concludes with a line explaining the metaphor, where the "kindergarten" transforms into a "battalion," illustrating the passage from innocence to the harsh realities of war.