Michal Admoni endured a great deal of suffering and difficulty in her life, after a medical procedure left her disabled. Writing became her refuge, a means of self-realization, and a remedy for her pain. She shared her insights and love with others—both her readers and her neighbors in Kfar Aza, who used to come to her porch seeking encouragement and comfort through conversation. On October 7, she was murdered with her son Guy, just before she finished writing her third book.
Tari Kipnis: A Kibutznik and an Artist, to the Very End
Tari Kipnis was born near the sea and sailed around the world – only to settle in Kibbutz Be’eri with his beloved Lilach. He lived and breathed art and never stopped looking for ways to create it. When he was stricken with a chronic neurological disease, he began to paint. On October 7, he was murdered with his wife and his caretaker Paul – but he left behind breathtaking paintings, including those which tell the story of the Gaza border region.
Dr. Hayim Katsman: A Brilliant Academic Lecturer and Car Mechanic
He chose an academic career for himself but refused to live in an ivory tower. He financed his studies first by working in a garage, and later through gardening and DJing. He grew up in a religious household in the city of Petah Tikva but decided to dedicate his life to the only place he wanted to call home: Kibbutz Holit in the Negev desert. Dr. Hayim Katsman was a brilliant, special, and generous person whose young life came to an end on that tragic Saturday.
Life After Death: On the Works of Aner Shapira
Aner Shapira never dreamed of becoming a tragic hero. He was a creative artist, a musician, composer, and a writer starting to find his way in the world. In notebooks, on scattered pages, or in computer files – his work filled his home. But he never got to show it to the world. “If I die, publish this,” he wrote to his family, and since his heroic death on October 7, they’ve been doing just that, working to tell not just the story of Aner’s death, but also the story of his life’s work: an album of his songs was released months after his death, and another is on the way.
Bilhah Yinon: The Woman Who Created a New, Better World – From Scrap
Bilhah, who was murdered along with her husband on October 7, was an artist full of optimism, compassion, and good-heartedness. She dedicated her life to educating younger generations to love and preserve nature. The adorable children’s book character she created is part of her legacy.
Marcel Freilich-Kaplon: The Scientist Who Brought Chemistry to Israeli Schoolchildren
Some teachers just have that extra “something” – a true passion for what they teach and for making it accessible to their students. These are the kinds of teachers who dedicate themselves to passing on their knowledge with burning enthusiasm and immense determination. Dr. Marcel Freilich-Kaplon was exactly this kind of teacher. She embodied a rare combination of wisdom, passion, and boundless dedication. The vitality and love that burned deep within her came to a tragic end on October 7. However, the books that Marcel and her colleagues authored remain with us, carrying on her legacy.
