Heartfelt Birthday Wishes: Yair Netanyahu Honors His Mother

On the occasion of his mother Sara Netanyahu's 60th birthday, Yair Netanyahu, son of the Prime Minister, shared a heartfelt birthday message that moved many online. He posted the blessing on his Facebook page, writing: "Happy birthday to my mother. Thank you for giving me life, for all the care and love you have given to Avner and me over the years, and for your devoted care of Grandpa and Grandma."

The commandment of honoring Sara Netanyahu's parents has been extensively written about, but when it’s a commandment as significant as this, we must detail what exactly she did and why it is considered such a great mitzvah credited to her. Her parents, Chava and Shmuel Ben-Artzi, of blessed memory, received exceptional respect from her even during their lifetime. Her sons saw this respect firsthand, setting a model for how to support and care for aging parents.

When her father Shmuel fell ill and weakened, he was moved into a special unit beside her in the Prime Minister's residence so she could care for him herself. A family member shared that Sara never left her father's side, even when the pressure of her role increased. In 2011, her brother Dr. Hagi Ben-Artzi detailed Sara's commitment during an interview with Arutz 7, saying: "Her honoring of our parents is amazing. No one can take away this great merit from her."

Yair and Avner grew up in such an environment, learning one of the greatest life lessons from their mother. "You are the strongest, smartest and most noble woman I have met," Yair wrote in his blessing to his mother, also acknowledging her ability 'to endure years of media bullying' - "for the sake of Dad and his mission for Israel and the Jewish people," he concluded, touching the hearts of many.

How cautious should we be about honoring parents? Watch this brief and poignant message: