Eshkol Still Mourns — And Still Builds

Another body of a hostage has returned home to Eshkol, Israel.

This week, Israel confirmed that the body of Tal Haimi, 42, of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, was brought back from Gaza. Tal was killed on October 7, 2023, while defending his kibbutz during the massacre that changed Israel forever. He leaves behind three young children and a wife, Ella, who was pregnant at the time. Their baby will grow up never knowing their father. A third-generation member of Nir Yitzhak, Tal grew up in the Eshkol fields, a man who stood his ground to protect his community. When the attack began, he called his wife to lock the house and went out to fight and never returned. 

Eshkol: Strength Amid Sorrow

In Eshkol, grief and rebuilding go hand in hand. Families continue to bury loved ones while new children are born and communities strive to heal. Every return of a hostage or fallen defender opens deep wounds for the people of Israel. That’s why JFMM and JNF continue to support Eshkol, building the Eshkol Resilience Center, where survivors, parents, children, and soldiers can receive trauma care, counseling, and hope.

Your Support Makes a Difference

Eshkol has paid the highest price, yet its people choose life. They plant, rebuild, pray, and persevere.
Your support allows us to:

• Expand grief and trauma therapy for families like the Haimis

• Build and equip safe spaces and treatment rooms at the Eshkol Resilience Center

• Train local therapists for long-term recovery in Israel

• Show the people of Eshkol that they are not alone

Every contribution brings light to families living through darkness. 

“We will not forget Tal. We will not forget any of them. But we will build a future worthy of their courage.”

Share