Here Lived
This is the home of Elad Katzir. Elad was born in Nir Oz in 1976 to Hana and Rami Katzir, the middle child between two sisters, Avital and Carmit.
As a child, Elad loved to dream, to wander through the fields, but was less drawn to school. After completing his combat military service, he travelled extensively around the world and spent several years working in the United States, before choosing to return to live in Nir Oz. Elad worked as an irrigation manager in the fields he loved so much. He would take his six beloved nieces and nephews, along with all the children of the kibbutz, out into the fields, teaching them about nature. He had a special way of reaching their hearts and recognising their strengths, and they returned that love to him.
Elad was a member of the kibbutz secretariat and the local emergency response team, part of the fire brigade, and a lifelong volunteer organising community events. With talent and humour, he hosted the traditional Shavuot soccer tournament, and often hosted friends on his balcony for a beer in the “parliament”.
Elad was a devoted fan of Maccabi Haifa and followed the team to matches in Haifa and around the world. Every Friday, Elad would go to the Black Arrow memorial near Kibbutz Mefalsim to advocate for the return of Hadar Goldin, Oron Shaul, Avera Mengistu, and Hisham al-Sayed.
October 7th
On October 7, 2023, Elad was abducted from his home to Gaza. His fate was unknown for 44 days, until confirmation was received that he was alive and being held hostage in Gaza.
What Happened Since
Elad endured captivity with great courage for around 100 days, before he was murdered by his captors as IDF forces operated nearby. He could have been saved had an agreement been reached in time.
On April 6, 2024, Elad’s body was returned in a military operation. He was laid to rest beside his father, Rami, who was murdered on October 7 in his home. His mother, Hana, was abducted and released in the November 2023 deal, and passed away about a year later from the lasting effects of her captivity.
Elad, Hana, and Rami are buried in Nir Oz, in the land they worked and loved. We love them and miss them every day. May their memory be a blessing.
