Three years after the tragic events of October 7, 2023, Doron Libshtein is still grappling with the loss of his brother Ofir, who died defending Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Ofir, 50, was a prominent leader in the Gaza border region, serving as the head of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council. His death, along with that of his 19-year-old son Nitzan, has left a void in the lives of his family and community.
Doron and Ofir were extremely close, having built businesses together, including a coaching business established in 2005. Their relationship was rooted in both family and friendship. According to Doron, his brother was a natural leader, not only in their family but also in the kibbutz and the wider Jewish world. Ofir's commitment to his community and his people was unwavering, and he worked tirelessly to create a better future for his children and grandchildren.
In the aftermath of Ofir's death, Doron has channeled his grief into preserving his brother's approach to leadership. He has written a book, "The Light and Good Will Prevail," which explores the qualities that defined Ofir, including optimism, integrity, and determination. The book serves as a testament to Ofir's legacy and his understanding of leadership as a responsibility to listen, give, and build trust.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has also acknowledged Ofir's remarkable leadership, describing him as a man of vision who knew how to turn that vision into action. In a letter to Doron, Herzog wrote that Ofir's legacy should inspire readers to turn memory into responsibility, responsibility into service, and pain into renewed hope and growth.
The circumstances surrounding Ofir's death on October 7, 2023, were particularly tragic. He was at home in Kfar Aza with his family when he learned that terrorists had entered the kibbutz. Despite collecting a weapon from the armoury, his weapon jammed, and he was shot near his home. The family later learned that Nitzan had been fatally wounded in his safe room.
In the face of unimaginable loss, Doron says that his family has continued to rebuild. Ofir's wife, Vered, played a crucial role in helping the family cope with their grief and eventually leading the return to Kfar Aza. The Or Ofir Foundation was established to continue Ofir's work in leadership, community building, and support for young adults.
The foundation's efforts, including the Netaim network, which connects small Jewish communities around the world with Israel, are a testament to Ofir's enduring legacy. Doron believes that his brother's values, including the idea that Jews in Israel and the diaspora are interconnected, remain relevant today, particularly in the face of rising antisemitism.
Key points
- Ofir Libshtein's leadership and service have inspired a new generation of leaders.
- The Or Ofir Foundation continues Ofir's work in leadership and community building.
- Doron Libshtein is keeping his brother's legacy alive through his writing and teaching.
