Ofra Keidar, a 71-year-old Kibbutz Be’eri member who was murdered by Hamas terrorists while on an early morning walk near her home during the October 7 massacre and then abducted to Gaza, was buried last Thursday.
By Rachel Avraham
Ofra Keidar, a 71-year-old Kibbutz Be’eri member who was murdered by Hamas terrorists while on an early morning walk near her home during the October 7 massacre and then abducted to Gaza, was buried last Thursday by her family and community, the Times of Israel reported. According to the report, the bodies of Keidar, 71, and two other slain hostages, Yonatan Samerano and Staff Sgt. Shay Levinson, were recovered in a joint military and Shin Bet operation from the Gaza Strip earlier last week.
“Mom, a huge hole has opened up for us since October 7,” said her son, Elad Keidar, in his eulogy, the Times of Israel reported. “After they told us you had been recovered from Gaza, I couldn’t stop replaying our last phone conversation in my head — the photos and videos I saw, the situation we were in at home, and the state you were in when you faced the terrorists,” he said, and apologized for not being able to help her during the Hamas-led massacre.
According to the Jerusalem Post, Elad added: “You were a full partner in raising the [grandchildren], from bathing them to taking them to parties and babysitting to spending time with them in the petting zoo. Your personality is felt and seen in all [of them]. I am full of hope that all the hostage families will be able to find closure. Mom, thank you for what you taught me for all the years you were with us. You are with all the children. Thank you for who you were for us.”
According to Arutz Sheva, Yael Keidar, Ofra’s daughter, eulogized: “I want to tell you that I survived and I’m alive. I’m sad that you left us. We weren’t just mother and daughter – we were friends. I miss your hugs and I’m continuing on your path. I swim, I care for animals, and I give love to everyone around me. Mom, you taught me so many things, and because of them, I am who I am today. I wanted you to know that there are good people who are with me and love me. My dear brothers Elad and Oren are always by my side, even when things are difficult for me. I want to thank all the soldiers who brought Mom back. May your memory be a blessing. I love you and will remember you forever.”
Einav Keidar, Ofra’s daughter-in-law, told the Times of Israel that her children miss their grandmother. “Today, we are granted this moment to bid you farewell in peace,” says Einav Keidar. “You are deep within our thoughts and hearts. We love you, and ask that you watch over us from above because we are very tired. I long for days of unity and unconditional love among our people, but above all, our moral obligation and ability to heal ourselves will come only after the return of the remaining hostages: those who are alive for rehabilitation and those for proper burial in the land of Israel.”
Amit Shalvi of the Kibbutz Be’eri municipality told Arutz Sheva: “Here you are, but this is not how we wanted it to be. And once again – ‘the soil of Be’eri gathers you to itself’ – and this is so unlike you. The circle has closed, and your dear family has a grave they can visit. Yet still, 50 of our people remain in Gaza’s tunnels – at least 20 alive, about 30 deceased, including five of ours: Yossi, Ilan, Dror, Meni, and Sahar. Time has stood still for them, and they must be returned immediately. We must end the war in Gaza and bring them all home.”
Photo from All Israel News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQhbysZzE-A
