Here Lived
Neomit Dekel Chen lived in this home. This is where she raised her four children, Itay, Dotan, Sagui, and Ophir.
Neomit was the manager of the kibbutz’s gardening branch, and she proudly created an expansive, unique garden, incorporating into it handmade works and sculptures she created herself.
Two of her children, Ophir and Sagui, chose to return to the kibbutz and raise their own families there.
October 7th
On October 7, they were in the kibbutz. Her daughter Ophir, her husband Yossi, and their two children survived miraculously.
Sagui, Neomit’s son, was abducted while protecting his family in their safe room.
His wife, Avital, who was heavily pregnant at the time, and their two daughters survived. Their daughter Shachar Mazal was born while Sagui was still in captivity.
Neomit was abducted after fleeing her burning home and was forced into a vehicle with other women from the kibbutz. When they reached the kibbutz fields, a combat helicopter fired several shots to stop the vehicle and succeeded in hitting several of the terrorists. Neomit seized the moment, and although she had been wounded by gunfire herself, she managed to escape by playing dead. The terrorists left her lying in the fields. In an unbelievable journey, she managed to make her way back to the kibbutz on her own, reached Ophir’s home, and survived.
What Happened Since
Neomit now lives with the Nir Oz community in Karme Gat, alongside Sagui’s family and Ophir’s family.
On February 15, 2025, after 498 days in Hamas captivity, Sagui was released as part of a hostage deal and came home to his family. We all hold onto the hope that everyone will follow soon.
