Overview
- Israeli authorities returned Haimi’s body from Gaza the night before the funeral, closing a two-year ordeal for his family and community.
- Thousands attended the burial at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, where Haimi had served on the emergency response team.
- Haimi was killed defending the kibbutz on October 7, and his body was taken to Gaza during the attack.
- Ela Chaimi’s eulogy recalled playing a recording of their baby son Lotan saying “Daddy” and noted her husband returned “dressed and whole.”
- Family members pledged a return to their home in Nir Yitzhak and renewed appeals to free remaining captives, naming close friend Lior Rodiaf, as senior officials including Herzi Halevi, Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, and Education Minister Yoav Kisch looked on.