Hostage Tal Event

Introduction for Ella Haimi:

Ella Haimi is the widow of Tal Haimi, who was murdered and abducted by Hamas during the October 7th attacks on Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak. His body remains held in Gaza. A qualified personal trainer, nutritionist, and life coach, Ella gave birth to their fourth child a son in May 2024, seven months after Tal’s death. Since then, she has become a powerful advocate for the return of all hostages and the bodies still held in Gaza, speaking out with strength and grace on behalf of grieving families.
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Brief Bio: Tal Haimi
41 years old | Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak

Tal Haimi was a father of four, an engineer, and a beloved member of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak. Known as a "real-life MacGyver," Tal was admired for his calm, resourceful nature and his deep commitment to his community. On October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a brutal attack on southern Israel, Tal–head of the kibbutz’s security squad—rushed to defend his home and neighbours. After ensuring his pregnant wife and children were safe, he joined the defence effort, even after being wounded. He was ultimately killed and his body was taken to Gaza. His death was confirmed by the IDF two months later. To this day, Hamas continues to hold his body. Tal’s legacy is one of bravery, service, and enduring love.

🌿 Help Keep Ela’s Children in School 🌿

After Tal Haimi was murdered and kidnapped on October 7, his six-year-old son–who had just started Year 1—was too traumatised to return to school. For over a year, he didn’t learn to read or write. His sister also struggled to re-enter any kind of educational routine.

After a long and painful search, their mother, Ela Haimi, found Bustan BaMidbar 🌳—a unique, nature-based school in the heart of the desert offering personal, trauma-informed education. Ela says the school "saved her children’s lives." Since enrolling, they haven’t missed a single day (except when they travel to advocate for their father's return). It’s given them a sense of safety, healing, and routine they hadn't had since October 7.

Although recognised by the Israeli government, the school receives no public funding 😞
Now, with too few enrolled children and an urgent funding gap of 150,000 NIS, the school is at risk of closing just as a new school year begins. Ela is heartbroken at the thought.

We’re fundraising to help keep this incredible school open—not just for Ela’s children, but for many other children who are still living with the trauma of that day.

🎥 Video: https://youtu.be/JK7qbiggHf0
📰 Ynet article (Hebrew): https://www.ynet.co.il/activism/article/yokra14311297

💛 Every donation helps these children rebuild what was taken from them.