Family Establishes Agricultural Farm in Gush Etzion to Honor Sister Killed in October Attack

On October 7, while Uri Zagdoun was fighting in battles in Be'eri, his younger sister Rinat (Rini) was murdered at the Nova Festival near Kibbutz Re'im during a terrorist attack. Rinat, 23, grew up in the settlement of Elazar in Gush Etzion and was known for her vibrant personality, love of music, and inclusive spirit. The attack deeply shattered Uri, who also lost fellow soldiers that day.

In response to this personal tragedy, Uri and his fiancée, Tohar Dvir, decided to create a living memorial by establishing an agricultural farm called RiniRanch (Havat HaLamed-Heh) on the seam line between Gush Etzion and the Elah Valley. The farm honors Rinat's memory and embodies values she represented: love of people, nature, joy, acceptance, and connection through hands-on work in agriculture, animal care, and land cultivation.

The farm’s name also commemorates the 35 fighters of the Lamed-Heh unit who died defending Gush Etzion during Israel’s War of Independence, linking past and present generations of defenders. Situated in a historically significant area known as the Lamed-Heh crossing, the farm aims to establish a permanent agricultural presence and strengthen the community’s roots.

Uri and Tohar began preparing the land and building infrastructure about six weeks ago with the help of volunteers and partners. Beyond farming, they envision the ranch as a center for youth engagement, where young people from diverse backgrounds can work together, fostering unity through shared labor rather than rhetoric.

To develop the farm further, expand livestock, and realize their educational vision, Uri and Tohar launched a crowdfunding campaign inviting public participation. The project symbolizes resilience, transforming grief into constructive action and continuing Rinat’s light through life, growth, and hope in Gush Etzion.