Many hundreds of people arrived at the cemetery in Kibbutz Revivim this afternoon (Friday) to accompany Tal Haimi from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, who was murdered on Black Saturday, on his last journey.
Ella Haimi, Tal's widow, eulogized him: "My Tal, the furthest thing from you is for me to stand and speak in such a forum about me and you and us. But I have to say goodbye. On October 7th, part of me also died. Fall apart. And now I have to rebuild. Trying to think about the life we had and what I am without you. After all, we spent more years together than apart. I didn't embark on any challenge without her by my side. How much stability you have brought into my life. You made me who I am."
"Everything they say about you – your quietness, calmness, composure and wisdom – is also what you were at home and many times over. The lack is huge. You left me four gifts in your image. And I promise you here that it will be a happy and lively home. Even if not as neat and clean as you always wanted. I hope that I will be able to meet the difficult task that has been assigned to me and that you will be proud of me. Because I'm so proud of you. I choose to look at what is. And in the nightmare we're going through, even what is not taken for granted."
"You were taken from us, but the memories can not be taken away. They will remain ours forever. Einav, Nir and Udi, your father was killed when he did what he believed in most: he protected us and the kibbutz, a kibbutz where he grew up and raised a family. He didn't hesitate for a moment when he left the house that morning. Light and radiance, we are together in this story. I ask you to leave here today strengthened and with your head held high. Because Tal fell after fighting valiantly. And he was buried in the soil that he had as a house in Barbim. Until he moves to his permanent rest in the land he protected and loved. I'm not sorry for anything my Tal. I say goodbye to you with a broken and aching heart. Know that you were loved and loved. I know that no matter what happens, nothing will separate us."
The funeral of Tal Haimi z"l, photo: Dudu Granishpan
His sister, Or, painfully eulogized him: "Without many words, without drama, everything is said. In the depths of the heart there is no anger. Unconditional acceptance of each other. Tal gives faith that we will overcome because next to Tal everything is possible. Hanukkah is your holiday. The fire chief is your baby. The festival of light, the holiday of dew. So why have we reached this darkness? I am thankful for the time you were mine. My children got a loving uncle. I had no doubt that you would come back, hug and recount experiences. The main thing is to have you next to me and be able to feel you. I had one brother and no one like him. I trust Mom to welcome you with a strong hug. Dad and I will hug here, imagine for a moment that everyone is together again."
Naama Bachar, a kibbutz representative, said that after graduation, Tal went on a year of service in Hashomer Hatzair and enlisted in the 202nd Paratroopers Battalion. "After completing your military service, you returned to work in the dairy farm in Nir Yitzhak. He worked while studying mechanical engineering at Ben Gurion. He was a third generation member of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak. A few months ago, he lost his mother Esti. He was a devoted father who loved to create with them and travel. The relationship with Ella was a role model.
"Every year he organized Shavuot out of endless love for the kibbutz where he grew up. Tal's dedication and love for the place led Tal to be part of the preparatory squad for many years. On Saturday, when the attack began, Tal went out to fight for the place and the people he loved. At the end of the battle, contact was cut off and we were informed that Tal had no doubt. We believed he would come home and be reunited with his family. On December 13, we received the painful news. The sorrow, sadness and feeling of missed opportunity broke our hearts. We promise to embrace your beloved family forever and create a civilized society on the kibbutz you loved so much."
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