A collection by Amit Adamsky
TRIGGERWARNING: DEATH & WAR
Amit Adamsky is based in Israel and has been actively collecting stories about the victims of the October 7th murders. Through this work, Amit seeks to honor the memory of the deceased and provide a personal perspective on how the tragedy has affected life in Israel in its aftermath.
Memories and Pain: One Year After October 7th
Writing this article was a deeply emotional journey for me. This past year has been one of profound shock and national grief. Hundreds of victims – innocent civilians, young children, babies – entire families wiped out in an instant of horror.
Even a year later, the wound remains open and bleeding. As I gathered the memories of those who were murdered, I was guided by a sense of duty, intertwined with sadness and sorrow. I felt the need to honor these people not just as victims of terror, but as individuals who had lives—who they were, what their dreams were, and how much their families loved and admired them“. With each story, I came to understand the magnitude of the lives that were taken so cruelly and suddenly, and how the world was torn apart on that day.
Throughout the past year, we Israelis not only had to cope with the grief but also with the need to cry out to the world: violence is not resistance. Murder and rape are never justified. We shouted for justice, for humanity, and for a better future for our children.
One year after October 7th – the most horrific day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust – we look back at the devastation and sorrow that has touched so many families across the Middle East. With tear-filled eyes, we hope for renewal, that one day in the future peace will come and that there will be no more victims.
The stories I collected are the voice of a generation forced to live with the pain, but also with the hope that from here, we will rise toward a better future.
Stav Barazani, of blessed memory, tragically lost her life at the Nova Festival.
Lieutenant Adar Ben-Simon, of Blessed Memory, Fell in Battle at Zikim Base, Age 20
Adar served as a combat soldier in the Search and Rescue Brigade of the Home Front Command. After completing her training as a combat soldier, she attended the commanders’ course, followed by officer training, and later returned to Zikim as a platoon commander for new recruits.
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, Adar and her soldiers were awakened by the sounds of explosions and rockets overhead. They immediately ran to the fortified shelter. A squad of Hamas terrorists infiltrated the Zikim base, aiming to seize control and carry out a mass killing. Recognizing the danger, Adar and her fellow commanders instructed the recruits to stay in the shelter. Without hesitation, they rushed to the base’s front gate, determined to repel the attackers and protect their soldiers.
For 40 minutes, a fierce firefight ensued between Adar, her fellow commanders, and the terrorists. Their heroic efforts successfully prevented the terrorists from taking control of the base and massacring the recruits. The terrorists launched grenades and an RPG at Adar’s position, but she and her fellow soldiers held their ground. Beyond defending the base, they also blocked the terrorists from reaching nearby Kibbutzim, including Zikim and Karmia, as well as the city of Ashkelon, preventing a much larger disaster.
Adar was fearless. She naturally led others, inspiring everyone around her – both her friends and her soldiers – with her charisma. She loved spending time with her family and friends, and lived each day to the fullest never worrying about tomorrow. This zest for life was a defining part of who she was.
Captain (Res.) Itay Yehoshua, of Blessed Memory, Fell in Battle Defending Kibbutz Be’eri, Age 36
From Saturday evening, Itay’s family lost contact with him. Believing he was in a safe place, they anxiously awaited word from him, expecting, as always, that he would get in touch. As the hours passed, their concern deepened. Days went by, and only on Tuesday, October 10, at 11:25 a.m., did they receive the devastating news of his death.
Itay was 36 when he fell, leaving behind his wife, Dafni, and their two-year-and-eight-month-old daughter, Hili.
Born in Moshav Hadid, Itay had two brothers, Tomer and Guy. He studied at Ben Shemen Youth Village, continued his education at Nashon Middle School, and graduated from Shoham High School with honors. He also completed his master’s degree with distinction. Itay enlisted in November 2007 with the Golani Reconnaissance Unit, and after his discharge, he was accepted into the Ministry of Defense.
Throughout his life, Itay made many friends at different stages of his journey. His work allowed him to travel the world, and during his travels, he developed a deep love for animals. He raised unique species of parrots, birds, and various mammals.
Shay Shalev, of blessed memory, who tragically lost his life at the Nova Festival
In a tragic event on October 7th, the Shalev family lost their beloved father. Shay died at the age of 50. He left a family filled with love and strength behind: his wife, Eilat, and their four children – Shaked, Noy, Gefen, and Stav.
Shay was everything his family could have wished for. He was the perfect match for Eilat as a husband, with a huge heart and an unwavering zest for life. As a father, he was the ultimate role model, always supportive, encouraging and open. He ensured that there were no secrets between him and his children – only truth, honesty, and love.
After completing his education at Emek Hama’aravi School, where he was named „the most handsome boy in his class,“ Shay enlisted in the army. During his service, he was involved in a severe motorcycle accident, which led to a long and difficult recovery process. However, through sheer determination, he not only regained his ability to walk but also transformed himself, dedicating time to physical fitness, which became a central part of his life.
Music was another of Shay’s great passions, and he dreamt of becoming a DJ. Though life took him in other directions, he realized this dream briefly, performing at several trance music events. Eventually, he passed this aspiration on to his son Gefen. He introduced him to the world of music, encouraging him to follow in his footsteps.
Shay and Eilat’s love story began after his army injury. Shay courted Eilat persistently, despite her initial hesitation. His perseverance eventually won her over, and they became a couple on February 4, 1996. From that moment on, they were inseparable, building a loving and special family together.
The couple enjoyed life to the fullest, partied together, traveled, and never lost their youthful spirit. Even as they approached their fifties, they continued to dance and celebrate life. On that fateful Saturday, they attended what would be their final party – the tragic event that took Shay’s life, along with hundreds of others who had come to dance and celebrate.
Even in his final moments, Shay’s bravery was evident. Survivors from the event recounted how he helped the wounded, guided them to safety, and warned others of the impending danger. He was, and always will be, their hero. In his last message to his family he request them to take care of one another, showing the depth of his love, even in his final moments.
Shay fought for his life until the very end and protected Eilat when she was hiding. He brought her back to their family safely. The Shalev family vows to stay strong for him, just as he taught them. Although life is not the same without him and the grief is immense, they will do their best to carry on, honoring his memory.
