Here Lived
This was the home of Hana and (Avraham) Rami Katzir. Rami came to Nir Oz with the Nahal group “Tzabar,” the second founding group, and met Hana from Kibbutz Ein Carmel. They married and raised their family of three children: Avital, Elad, and Carmit. Hana worked in the children’s houses, raising and nurturing generations of children with warm hugs and sweet tea. Later, she worked in the communal clothing storeroom with her close friend and neighbor, Bracha Levinson z”l.
Rami worked as a mechanic for agricultural machinery. In his role as a tractor-driving instructor, he also taught generations of young people. He had his own tidy corner in the workshop, where his beloved classical music was always playing. In recent years, after retiring, Hana and Rami worked whenever they felt like working and spent much of their time together at home or visiting friends. During the weekends, they spent time with their three children and six beloved grandchildren.
October 7th
On October 7, 2023, terrorists broke into their home. They locked themselves inside the safe room and tried to call for help. But help didn’t come. The terrorists brutally kidnapped Hana and murdered Rami. They then looted and burned the house.
Hana was taken into Gaza, where she endured harsh conditions that severely affected her health.
What Happened Since
Hana returned to Israel on November 24, 2023, after 49 days in captivity, as part of a life-saving agreement. Upon her return, she learned that her husband had been murdered, and that her son Elad had been taken hostage and was alive. On April 6, 2024, Elad’s body was returned in a military operation. His family was informed that he had been murdered in captivity. Elad could have been brought back alive, had an agreement been reached in time.
Hana coped with the severe consequences of captivity with remarkable physical and inner strength, until she passed away on December 24, 2024. She was recognized as a victim of terror.
Rami, Hana, and Elad 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.
