The Memory of Sivan and Naor
A highly personal tragedy unfolds within the walls of a bullet-ridden apartment in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where photos capture the vibrant lives of a young couple, Sivan Elkabetz and Naor Hasidim, both killed in a brutal attack by Hamas terrorists on October 7.
Why It Matters
Their deaths are part of a larger, horrific sequence of events that saw over a thousand Israelis massacred, which has since spurred a resolute military response from Israel aimed at dismantling the Hamas group responsible for the atrocity. The loss of Sivan and Naor is a heartbreaking reminder of the individual human stories behind the headlines, illuminating the immense grief and the resilience of those left behind.
The Scene of Tragedy
The apartment now serves as a makeshift memorial, marked by bullet holes, grenade shrapnel, and haunting personal artifacts. Visitors and family members come here to commemorate and to confront the physical evidence of a day that has deeply scarred the Israeli community, particularly the town of Kfar Aza.
A Father’s Grief
On what would have been Naor’s 24th birthday, his father Avi Hasidim visited the apartment, wearing a T-shirt bearing images of the couple, and described an ever-widening “hole in his heart.” He, like many others affected by the violence, grapples with memories of happier times amidst the palpable presence of loss.
The Hard-Hit Community of Kfar Aza
Kfar Aza was one of the localities most impacted by the attacks on October 7, enduring loss on an inconceivable scale. Nonetheless, the town’s proximity to the ongoing conflict, underscored by the audible explosions from Gaza, serves as a constant reminder of the violence that shook its foundations and led to the consequential Israeli military action.
The Toll of Conflict
The rippling effects of the October tragedy are felt on both sides of the Israeli-Gaza border. Israel believes it has killed a substantial number of combatants in its operations, while the Gaza health ministry reports a heavy civilian toll. Accurate numbers, particularly the differentiation between civilians and combatants, remain a matter of contention.
An Enduring Memorial
Messages left by Israeli soldiers who secured the area after the massacre, including one poignantly noting “human remains on the sofa,” adorn the home of the late couple. Sivan’s mother has arranged photographs, now commemorating their lives within the space that once was filled with their love and vitality, a silent tribute mirroring the deep sorrow felt by the community and nation.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.