Simona Shrem is an events planner for large companies and leading celebs. She lost her only son, Liam, at the Supernova festival in Re’im. During her career, Shrem has produced countless events, but in her worst nightmares she never thought she would produce her son's funeral. Shrem is a woman larger than life. In a situation where one could easily fall into an abyss, she chose life and is striving to follow the dreams that Liam didn’t have the opportunity to fulfill.
Jewelry designer Ifat Oved chose Simona Shrem as her hero. “I have known Simona for 36 years. The loss of her son hurts and touches us all. Her decision to choose life despite all the sorrow and pain, to engage in action for the sake of her son’s immortality, makes her a hero in my eyes.”
Simona, tell me about your last conversation with Liam.
Liam arrived at the Supernova party with his friends Johnny and Ilai at 6:00 in the morning. He wrote me that he arrived and entered without his cellphone and would come out only at 12. They didn't have time to settle down. They left after 10 minutes to be the first to leave. I spoke to them twice. The third time was 36 minutes after they left the party. They arrived at Kibbutz Gevim, where there were few vehicles. The terrorists still didn't know about the party and caught them on the road on their way to Sderot. At 7:39 in the morning I spoke to Liam. It was 40 seconds before they were murdered. We know from the testimony of Uri and Ron, the friends who survived, that there were three vehicles following them. There was no traffic, and there was no big exit yet. They were far away from the party. The terrorists approached Ron and Uri’s car, shot at them, but they managed to escape. Liam finished talking to me and was immediately shot. The last conversation was a positive joy. They said that in 56 minutes they would be home but were immediately shot. I am happy that Liam didn’t know what happened at the party and that he didn’t suffer.
What would you like people to know about Liam?
Liam was a light. He was never angry. We never fought; we were one. I was a mother, a confidante and his whole world, and he was my whole world. I lived for him and for the fulfillment of his dreams.
Liam studied business administration and entrepreneurship at the Interdisciplinary School and was an outstanding student. During corona, before he started studying, he was a young Tel Aviv entrepreneur who brought the project of painting basketball courts to Israel for the benefit of the community. When he entered university, he won first place as a young entrepreneur. I asked the university if Liam could continue to work while studying, but they did not agree because there is no such standard. The company issued a special standard for Liam, who managed to work there and study at the same time for about a year and a half. He became a soldier in the company. They believed in him. He was very successful in his work in the company. The company has issued a standard that if there is another one like Liam, it will be named after him.
Are you in touch with Liam's friends?
Liam was a beloved friend. His friends are the happiness I have left, in addition to my friends. Liam influenced many people in his short life, in his vision of the joy of life, his wisdom and perseverance. His dream was to complete his bachelor’s degree next year and to do the Zell Program at Reichman University -- a program for the most elite, to which only 20 are accepted.
Where many are broken, you chose another path.
On the first day, I chose life. Going to Liam is always an option, but it is my duty to stay and fulfill all the dreams that he left for himself as a goal.
How do you commemorate Liam's memory?
We are continuing the project that Liam started. The Splash Project is a social enterprise that connects sports, art, and community, where local artists paint basketball courts. A building will be erected at Reichman University in his name on the subject of entrepreneurship. The courts on the beaches of Tel Aviv will also be branded Splash.
Liam also left a line of clothes. The Factory company chose its sports line, took a sponsor, and the line will come out soon.
Liam prepared a yard in Yarkon Park. He chose the best designers to work with. He had a loyal team that continues on his path. They also work with me and have been good friends for years. Arts and crafts people, as well as the Tel Aviv Municipality, help a lot to commemorate Liam and make all his dreams come true.
This article is taken from The Jerusalem Post, 'Women - Heroines of Swords of Iron' Magazine 2024. To read the entire magazine, click here.