Hana was born on December 6, 1946, in Kibbutz Ein Carmel, the daughter of Rivka and Zvi Sela and the younger sister of Hayuta. When she was 20, she came to Nir Oz because of her love for Rami. There, they built their home and had three children, Avital, Elad and Carmit.
Over the years, Hana worked in the kitchen and in the children’s houses, where she was a warm and devoted metapelet. She loved the children she cared for, and they loved her and looked forward to “Hana’s tea,” whose secret magical ingredient was extra sweetness. Later, she worked in the communa, where the kibbutz laundry was sorted into members’ cubbies, alongside her close friends Bracha Levinson and Shifra Noy, who were murdered on October 7.
Hana loved walking along the kibbutz paths and sitting and talking with friends in the dining hall, which she regarded as the best restaurant in the world. Family was the center of Hana’s life. She loved her children and grandchildren deeply, was always proud of them, and used to speak with them and her beloved sister every day. She had her grandchildren over whenever possible, and they always enjoyed her generosity and especially her motto: “I can’t say no to children.”
Hana had a wonderful zest for life. She became excited about everything and was a pure-hearted person who believed the world was fundamentally good and that people wanted to do good.
On October 7, Hana and Rami’s home was invaded and desecrated, and no help arrived. Rami was murdered at home; Hana and Elad were abducted to Gaza. Hana endured 49 days in hell, but survived. She returned from captivity in serious medical condition and fought for her life for many long months as her health steadily declined.
After her return, she fought with everything she had to save Elad’s life, but Elad was murdered while in captivity. Hanna also fought for her own life, but died about a year after her return, succumbing to the grave consequences of her imprisonment and grief.
Hana was laid to rest in Nir Oz, beside her husband and son.
She was 78 years old at the time of her death.
May Hana’s memory be a blessing.
