Many comforters came to Moshav Olesh, where the Katz family from Nir Oz is located, after learning of Ravid Katz's death. Ravid, 51, is Doron Katz's half-brother, whose two daughters, Raz and Aviv, aged 4 <>/<> and two-and-a-half, were released from captivity this week. Ravid and Doron are brothers from the same father. Doron's mother was murdered and her husband was kidnapped to Gaza.
Since October 7, Ravid's family has believed he was abducted to Gaza on Black Saturday, but yesterday the family received word that he had been murdered.
Yoni, who is reunited with his wife Doron and daughters Raz and Aviv, photo: Report, courtesy of the families
Ravid's niece, Mai Asraf, spoke about their relationship: "Ravid taught me that values are greater than my personal difficulties. That's how Ravid managed to become a teacher himself, even though the guy couldn't sit on his ass for a second, and in order to take tests, we had to lock him in a room. Ravid taught me that love is greater than anything. And that you can change and be flexible for her."
"Ravid taught me to love the land, the birds and nature. To travel the length and breadth of the country, and to love it, everything in it, to know it and the stories behind it and to know that we are here to stay," she said. "I learned from him the strength of family. Ravid was in love with his children. I have never seen such a dialogue between a father and children."
Ravid Katz, photo: uncredited
"Ravid taught me that it's never too late, and you can learn at 30, have a baby at 50, and live life slowly and fully. At my own pace and not at the pace the world wants to dictate to me. Ravid taught me to strive for touch and believe in goodness," she continued.
"I am pained and angry that you were abandoned to defend your home alone. I'm angry that you thought they'd come to help you within a few minutes. I'm angry that you were alone. I'm angry that you protected us and no one watched over you," she said.
Among the other visitors to the Katz family home were Nissan Asher, Yoni's father (Doron's husband) and Raz and Aviv's grandfather, who were released from captivity. "The feeling is hard. Doron's situation is complex. It's hard for her. The granddaughters are coping. They still have a way to go. Yoni is also coping. He was strong. He is the protagonist of the story. I am proud of him and love him. We wrap them in love."
Nissan Asher, grandfather of Raz and Aviv, condoles the Katz family on Ravid's passing
Yoni Asher, Nissan's son and Doron's husband, also eulogized Ravid: "Yesterday we received bitter news about Ravid Katz, my wife Doron's brother, who is not among the living from the events of 7.10, Ravid lived in Kibbutz Nir Oz, was an educator, a man of the beautiful Land of Israel, an amazing father to Shahar, Shira, little Alma only 6 months old, and Revital's spouse. We will remember you forever."
Ravid is survived by his wife and three children, the youngest of whom is only six months old.
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