Eliyahu, known to everyone as Churchill, was born on October 27, 1947, in Tel Aviv, the son of Dvora and Moshe Margalit and the brother of Ilana Leibovitz.
Churchill arrived in Nir Oz in 1968 as part of Gar’in Miran and quickly found his place in the kibbutz’s beef cattle farming branch. He dedicated himself to its development, making it his life’s work. Animals were always an integral part of Churchill’s world, and his love for horses surpassed all others. With talent and determination, he established a stable in Nir Oz, brought the children of Nir Oz closer to horses, encouraged their involvement in caring for them, and helped them learn to ride. Churchill was a member of a riding group called “Riders of the South,” with which he took horseback trips throughout Israel and abroad.
Churchill was an exemplary family man. His deep love for his children, especially his grandchildren, gave both him and them wonderful, unique experiences. Churchill was also a true people person, with a natural ability to cultivate lasting circles of friendship in every part of his life.
When the kibbutz decided to close the cattle branch, Churchill felt deep pain and sorrow as he watched his life’s work dismantled.
Then came October 7.
Whenever attacks targeted Nir Oz, Churchill would go out to assess the situation and make sure his mares were safe. That morning, he once again drove out to the stable on his red ATV. When he arrived, he was brutally murdered, and his body was abducted to Gaza.
His body was returned to the soil of Nir Oz for burial on October 18, 2025, just days before his birthday.
His wife, Dafna, his children, Noa, Danny and Nili, his grandchildren, Paika, Isan and Romi, and many friends remember and miss him dearly.
He was 76 years old at the time of his death.
May Churchill’s memory be an eternal blessing.
