Former Gaza hostage Tal Haimi was laid to rest in Kibbutz Nir Oz on Wednesday after being returned during phase one of the US-brokered Gaza deal.
Haimi’s father, Zohar Haimi, was the first to speak. “You came back to us. Although not as we would have liked, to be able to hug you while you were still alive.”
So that you could be a father to a daughter and three sons and a partner to those who have been running an orphanage for two years, a brother to your sister, Or, and for me, the son who raised us in the garden, and also an uncle to all the nieces and nephews and a friend to all the friends.”
Haimi was born in 1981, a third-generation resident of kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, and graduated from Ma’ale Habesor School. Like many of his peers, he was a member of the pioneering Zionist youth movement Hashomer Hatzair and even dedicated a year of service to the movement after high school.
He enlisted in the IDF’s 202nd Paratroopers Battalion of the 35th Paratroopers Brigade. According to Nir Yitzhak’s memorial page, he “stood out with his skills” and was remembered as an “outstanding warrior” during his service.
Tal Haimi’s eulogy from family and friends
“I miss you all the time, and sometimes I also tear up a little. There are not enough words here to express the sorrow and pain that burns my heart, which goes out to you, to the child I love so much,” Zohar continued.
“I am happy for us that you are back, but I am even happier that you can rest, you are protected, and nothing more can happen to you. I am with you. I will not allow anyone in the world to hurt you,” said his late wife, Ela Haimi.
“There's one boy you didn't get to meet, but he already knows you very well. I played you a recording of him saying "Dad" and giggling. I hope you were able to hear it. These children are your greatest success; each one of them took something from you in their own way. They are so proud of you but also miss you,” she continued.
“Tal, I was proud to be your wife. I am proud to be your widow. Thank you for 22 years together. You were a standard of quality in this world. When we had all kinds of requests from those in positions on the kibbutz, they would only approve us if we mentioned your name,” she concluded.
Brig.-Gen. Dvir Edri also spoke during the eulogy. “A soldier from a beloved Kibbutz and a devoted family man. In my opening remarks, I would like 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,” he said.
“On the morning of October 7, you went out to defend your home and community with your body, and you fought for your community with your body. You were in the heart of the fire - you fought with tenacity and determination.”
Leo Feierberg Better contributed to this article.