Elay Adany was only 21 years old, just one month before his 22nd birthday, when he fell in battle in Kfar Aza. For three and a half years he served in the elite Maglan Unit – completing the grueling training track, serving as a sergeant and machine gunner, and ultimately being appointed a team commander. He built “Team Adani” – a professional and admired unit that continues to fight to this day.
On the Black Sabbath, October 7th, as rockets rained down on Israel’s southern communities, Elay turned to his soldiers and said:
“This is why we are here. This is what we trained for.”
They headed south, divided their forces, fought in Sderot, cleared houses, and saved civilians. Later they were ordered to enter Kfar Aza. For hours they fought a brutal battle against hundreds of terrorists. Elay and his soldiers rescued many families.
At 2:30 p.m., they entered a house where a terrorist was hiding. True to his nature, Ilay shielded his soldiers with his own body. The terrorist opened fire, and Elay was struck and killed instantly. In his death – he saved his soldiers and more civilians.
Two of his comrades also fell that day: Amichai Venino z”l and Amit Gueta z”l. Amichai tried to rescue Elay and protect him with his own body, but was shot and killed. Amit, who had only recently married Gal, was killed that morning on his way to base.
The story of Elay and his team is one of unparalleled courage, responsibility, and leadership – of young warriors who gave everything to save families and defend the people of Israel.
Elay loved his people, loved his country, and dreamed of becoming an educator after his service. He was a role model to his soldiers and to everyone who knew him. Today, we are building a synagogue in Ashkelon in his memory – a house of Torah, prayer, and unity. A place that will remind all who enter: we are here thanks to Elay and his comrades.
Join us in this commemoration.
Your donation will help us build the synagogue that will bear the name of Captain Elay Adany z”l, Hero of Israel, and will serve as a house of prayer honoring all the heroes of October 7th.
The “Heroes of Israel” Synagogue in Ashkelon will serve as a spiritual and community center.
The complex will include a synagogue, classrooms, an event hall, and a library, and will function as a hub of support and learning that offers inspiration and a connection to Judaism for all ages.
The Ashkelon Municipality has allocated land for the project, and the plans are ready – every donation, big or small, is a brick in building this sacred home.
