Here Lived
Aviv was born and raised in Nir Oz. He managed the agricultural garage and was taking his first steps in the art world. Liat moved to Nir Oz some 30 years ago as Aviv’s partner, and together they built their home in Nir Oz. Liat and Aviv had three children: Ofri (24), Neta (22), and Aya (20). Their home was open, joyful, and creative. To their human family, dogs and cats were always added and raised with great love.
October 7th
On October 7, Aviv, who was a member of the emergency response team, left the house just minutes after the first sirens sounded. Aviv fought courageously and fell in battle. Liat remained in the safe room, and around midday she was abducted.
What Happened Since
For about two months, very little was known about the fate of Aviv and Liat. Liat was released after 54 days in the November 2023 hostage deal. The day after her return from captivity, the family was informed that Aviv had fallen in battle on October 7th. “We are learning to live with Aviv’s presence and absence. He’s gone and deeply missed, but he’s also present in a million ways. We simply have to learn to feel him in a new way.”
Ofri returned to Nir Oz several weeks after October 7th and was among the first to help rebuild the kibbutz. Today he lives in Nir Oz.
During the evacuation to Eilat, Neta began volunteering at the Marine Research Institute. He remained there all year and is currently a student.
Aya completed a post-high school year of community service at Kibbutz Lotan and enlisted in the army.
Liat lives in Karme Gat together with the Nir Oz community. She returned to work as a teacher at Nofei HaBesor School and as a guide at Yad Vashem, and is involved in various educational projects.
Aviv’s remains were returned to Israel on June 11, 2025.
The Atzili family has now returned to live in Nir Oz.
