In a symbolic ceremony at the Edri family home in Ofakim, Israel Police unexpectedly promoted Evyatar Edri, the son of Rachel Edri, to the rank of chief inspector. The event was held in the presence of Southern District Commander Maj. Gen. Haim Bublil and his deputy, Brig. Gen. Efi Shiman, and was presented as a moment of closure for the family, the district, and the city.
The house of Rachel and the late David Edri became one of the most famous sites from the October 7 attacks, when the couple was held hostage there by terrorists for many hours before being rescued by YAMAM counterterrorism officers. Police said holding the promotion there connected the site of one of that day’s most difficult incidents with a moment of recognition and continuity.
Edri was serving as a station officer in Sderot on October 7, and went out to fight that morning. During the battle he learned that terrorists had entered his parents’ home and were holding them hostage. He now serves as an officer in the Southern District responsible for skills training, and also works as a shooting and combat instructor.
Bublil said, “The promotion to Evyatar here, in the Edri family home, reflects the strength of the spirit of police families, the residents of Ofakim and the Southern District as a whole.” Shiman said that on the morning of October 7, Ofakim became “a difficult and complex battlefield,” adding that police and fighters operated under fire near the Edri home to stop the attackers and save lives. He said the ceremony was a salute to their bravery and continued commitment to protect southern residents.
