Français
Español
English
Portuguese
As the sun set over Nir Yitzhak, Tal was finally laid to rest, his bravery and devotion leaving a lasting legacy for his family, kibbutz, and the nation he protected.
By United with Israel Staff
Hundreds of mourners gathered at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak on Tuesday to honor Tal Haimi, a devoted husband, father, and defender of his community who was finally laid to rest after his body was returned from Gaza on Monday night — more than two years after he was killed while protecting his home on October 7, 2023.
Haimi, 41, led the kibbutz’s civil defense squad and was among the first to respond when Hamas terrorists invaded Nir Yitzhak in the early morning hours of that horrific day.
With deep courage and an unwavering sense of duty, he and his emergency team fought for hours at the gates of the kibbutz. During the battle, Tal was killed and his body was taken to Gaza.
For months, his family and community prayed for his return. Intelligence received later that year confirmed that he had been killed on Oct. 7, but his body remained in Gaza. On Monday night, after two long years, he was finally brought home to Israel.
His father, Zohar Haimi, was the first to speak. “You came back to us,” he said quietly. “Although not as we would have liked, to be able to hug you while you were still alive.”
He described his son as a devoted family man, a mentor to younger relatives, and a friend to everyone in the community. “You were meant to be a father to your daughter and three sons, a partner to your wife, a brother to your sister, and an uncle and friend to so many.”
Born in 1981, Tal was a third-generation resident of Nir Yitzhak. He attended Ma’ale Habesor School and was active in the Zionist youth movement Hashomer Hatzair, where he volunteered for a year of service before joining the IDF’s 202nd Battalion of the Paratroopers Brigade.
He was remembered as an outstanding warrior and natural leader who inspired those around him.
His widow, Ela, delivered a deeply emotional eulogy that brought many to tears. “How much I planned for this day, how much I waited for it,” she said beside the flag-covered coffin. “This is the ending you deserve, Tal. Nothing that happened to you these past two years matched who you were. I’m happy for us that you’ve returned, but I’m even happier for you. You can rest now. Nothing more can happen to you.”
Ela spoke of their four children — Nir, Einav, Udi, and baby Lotan, who was born seven months after Tal’s death. “There’s one child you didn’t get to meet, but he already knows you so well,” she said. “These children are your greatest achievement. Each one has taken something from you in their own way. They’re so proud of you, but they miss you terribly.”
Her message extended beyond her family. “Thirteen more families deserve to bring their loved ones home as we have,” she said. “We won’t stop demanding this until they all return. Despite having you back, Tal, it will take time for our kibbutz and our beloved country to heal. We’ve suffered enough, and we’re tired of fighting among ourselves. I call on our leaders: make this place better, make it safe to live here. After everyone comes home, our next fight will be to reunite our people.”
Brig.-Gen. Dvir Edri also spoke during the ceremony. “A soldier from a beloved kibbutz and a devoted family man,” he said. “I want to ask for your forgiveness for the fact that the IDF failed in its mission to defend the south, and for the fact that you and your comrades had to fight alone without additional assistance. On that morning, you fought with your body for your home, your people, and your land.”
As the sun set over Nir Yitzhak, Tal was finally laid to rest. His bravery and devotion will forever remain a source of pride for his family, his kibbutz, and the nation he gave his life to protect.
“Rest now, Tal,” his wife said. “No one in the world can hurt you anymore.”
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
