(JNS) The funeral of Israeli hostage Oded Lifshitz, HY”D was held in his hometown of Kibbutz Nir Oz on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 25, five days after his remains were returned from Gaza by Hamas.
“With a heavy heart and deep sorrow, we say goodbye to Oded Lifshitz, murdered by vile murderers,” said Rishon Lezion Mayor Raz Kinstlich. “Oded was a pioneer and founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz—a man of the people and the land—and the entire country grieves his death.”
“Oded, my dear, unfortunately, I never had the privilege of knowing you personally. But since our day of disaster—Oct. 7—you have become a part of all our lives,” said Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who spoke at the ceremony. “I stand here, on the soil of your homeland, as president of the State of Israel, on behalf of the State of Israel, I ask you—beloved Oded, I ask Yocheved and your dear family—for forgiveness.
“The community of Nir Oz will live and flourish. The community of Nir Oz will be rebuilt and will rebuild. Nir Oz will continue to be a symbol—of determination, of building, of faith and of great hope. The entire people of Israel will stand with you every step of the way.”
Lifshitz, who was 83 at the time of his abduction, was taken from his Nir Oz home during the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023 terror attack alongside his wife, Yocheved, who was released by the terror group in late 2023 as part of a ceasefire agreement with the Jewish state.
