Haim was born in Givatayim on April 13, 1944, the son of Nehama and Gershon Freiberg and the brother of Dubi.
He grew up in the Borochov neighborhood of Givatayim and joined the Gar’in Tzabar group, which brought him to Nir Oz in 1962. During his service in the Paratroopers Brigade, he fought in the Six-Day War, the War of Attrition, the Yom Kippur War and the First Lebanon War. Despite this, he remained a committed leftist who advocated for peace with the Palestinians and even took part in the “Road to Recovery” project, which transported patients from Gaza to receive medical treatment in Israel.
Haim was a colorful man in every sense: the color of his hands blackened by his work in the garage; the color of his joy and zest for life, evident in the cult films of Nir Oz alongside the late Uri Dan; the color of a funny, mischievous grandfather to his grandchildren; and the rich, meaningful color of an artist and creative spirit.
Haim taught cinema at Ma’ale HaBesor School and at Sapir College.
In 1999, together with the late Dov’aleh Heller from Kibbutz Nirim, he led the restoration and renovation of the abandoned and neglected house that had once belonged to Sheik Abu Sitta, transforming it into an art gallery known as the White House. Another facet of his character was his congeniality and deep involvement in the Nir Oz community.
Haim served twice as kibbutz secretary and played a central role in almost every cultural event — from lively Thursday nights at the local pub, where he filled many roles, to active participation in community celebrations and cultural events. He also wrote two children’s books: In Grandpa Mior’s Yard and Yarena.
In 1967, Haim wed Batya Rimon, with whom he had a daughter, Inbal, and a son, Lior. The couple later divorced. In 1976, he met Osnat, who arrived at Nir Oz with her daughter, Reut, after her divorce from her husband. Haim and Osnat married in 1980 and had two daughters: Noam and Ofri.
On October 7, the state abandoned Haim and the residents of Nir Oz — the very country he had fought for so bravely. For many hours, no military assistance arrived. Terrorists invaded the home of Haim and Osnat. Haim confronted them and was abducted to Gaza. During the abduction, he managed to save Osnat through resourcefulness and courage. The state continued to abandon him for approximately 140 more days, during which he was held captive in Hamas tunnels until he was murdered in captivity in February 2024.
Haim is survived by his wife, five children and thirteen grandchildren.
Haim was returned to Israel on August 20, 2024, and laid to rest in Nir Oz.
He was 80 years old at the time of his death.
May Haim’s memory be a blessing.
