Itay Svirsky, HY”D, 38, was visiting his parents at Kibbutz Be’eri on Oct. 7 when the kibbutz was attacked by Hamas terrorists. His parents were killed and Svirsky was taken hostage. He was held with another hostage, Yossi Sharabi, and the two were killed while captive in Gaza.

Itay, who was single and lived in Tel Aviv, was said to be a quintessential uncle to his nieces and nephews and his friends’ children. He worked as a life coach, helping people to improve their lives. A dedicated family man, he loved spending time with his father and mother.

Noa Argamani, a former hostage who was held with Itay, said of him, “You were a friend, you were a big brother amid that dark place. You taught me so many things that I will take with me no matter where I go.”

Itay’s body was recovered in December 2024 by the IDF in a joint operation with the Shin Bet.