Dear friends, family, and kind supporters,  

Twelve years ago, I joined the IDF as a lone soldier and was welcomed to Kibbutz Nir Oz, where in addition to becoming a part of a beautiful community, I was also taken in by my incredible adoptive family. Our bond has been a source of strength and love throughout my journey from the IDF until today. 

The morning of October 7th, Nir Oz was shaken to its core by a horrific terror attack, leaving a permanent scar. My adoptive father, Inon, shared a heart-wrenching account of the events that unfolded on that fateful day. My adoptive mother Morran and their precious daughters, Roni and Noam, were woken to the sounds of sirens in the early morning, and found themselves in the midst of chaos and danger, locked in the safe room for hours and hours, as Hamas terrorists infiltrated the Kibbutz. The terror and uncertainty they endured, hearing cries of hatred and witnessing violence, were beyond words.

Thankfully, Inon was away with their two youngest children, Yiftach and Ofir, at the time. Feeling helpless and lost, trying to continuously maintain communication with Morran, hearing his children terrified and crying on the phone, hearing terrorists shooting outside their home, saying goodbyes, all while Morran was holding the safe room door tightly shut. Morran's bravery and strength during those harrowing hours, while protecting her daughters, are a testament to her resilience and love. They faced unimaginable fear, crying out for help, as their lives hung in the balance.

The attack devastated Kibbutz Nir Oz, our beloved community, leading to unspeakable losses. A quarter of the Kibbutz members were either murdered, kidnapped, or are still missing. Morrans parents are among the 68 members of Nir Oz alone who have been kidnapped into Gaza, and are currently being held hostage by Hamas. The shattered trust, the grief, and the daily uncertainty weigh heavily on everyone. 

What are you supporting?

Returning to the Kibbutz is impossible for the foreseeable future, and all of these families have been displaced, with no home to go back to. These children's future and education, and their parent's employment are uncertain, and existential questions loom over their heads.

Now, my family is trying to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives, and it’s my turn to help them.

Your contributions will help the Ben Ishay family as they set out to rebuild their lives and try to bring back a sense of normalcy to their family and to our shattered community. The funds collected will go directly to help Inon, Morran, and their kids rent and furnish a new home where they can settle down and start to heal, purchase a new car to replace the one that was destroyed, pay for the children's education, in addition to any mental health costs and treatments.

We pray for the safe return of Morran's parents and all the abductees, and we cherish the moments we have with our loved ones. Together, we can find strength in unity and hope in resilience. Thank you for your support and solidarity.

With gratitude,

Noa Shani