Israel Prize Laureate Recounts Brother's Death During Kibbutz Be'eri Rescue
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Israel Prize laureate Menachem Klezman tearfully recounted how his brother, Elhanan Klezman, was killed by a terrorist in Kibbutz Be'eri on October 8, 2023, while they were rescuing residents. Menachem and their nephew Itiel had been saving people for 16 hours when Elhanan was shot inside a house. Menachem was also wounded and unable to save his brother immediately. The "Team Elhanan" was later awarded the Israel Prize for their heroism.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Menachem Klezman described his brother Elhanan's death by a terrorist in Kibbutz Be'eri on October 8, 2023.
- Menachem and his nephew Itiel had been rescuing residents for 16 hours before Elhanan was killed.
- Elhanan Klezman was shot inside a house during a rescue attempt, with Menachem witnessing the event.
- Menachem Klezman was also wounded during the incident and struggled to rescue his brother.
- The "Team Elhanan" was awarded the Israel Prize for Resilience and Civil Heroism in March 2024.
- Klezman highlighted the bravery of other fighters and civilians during the Hamas attack.
Israel Prize laureate Menachem Klezman emotionally recounted the moments his brother, Elhanan Klezman, was fatally shot by a Hamas terrorist during rescue operations in Kibbutz Be'eri on October 8, 2023. Appearing on Channel 12 news, Klezman described how he and his brother, who lived in Otniel, had traveled to the Gaza border region on October 7. They entered Kibbutz Be'eri that evening and were joined by their nephew, Itiel.
For approximately 16 hours, the three navigated the kibbutz, rescuing residents trapped in safe rooms. Klezman described extreme fatigue on Sunday morning after a night of fighting and rescues. He recalled an encounter in a playground where he told Elhanan he was too tired to continue, but Elhanan laughed.
Klezman asked Elhanan to complete one more rescue at House 611, belonging to the Levy family. Inside the dark house, a terrorist ambushed them. As Elhanan stepped forward, the terrorist emerged and fired, hitting him. Klezman, standing close by with Itiel, witnessed his brother being shot and falling.
Klezman himself was wounded shortly after, sustaining an injury to his right arm and shrapnel to his face, which impaired his vision. They were trapped for an extended period, unable to extract Elhanan, who was in Klezman's arms. Rescue only became possible after an IDF force passed through the area. Klezman ran to alert the soldiers, nearly being shot himself.
Both brothers were evacuated to the kibbutz gate and placed on stretchers side-by-side. Klezman learned of Elhanan's death upon arrival at Soroka Hospital, realizing he hadn't had a chance to say goodbye. He stated that despite the immense pain, he wouldn't trade the privilege of being with his brother in his final moments. He also mentioned other acts of bravery from that day, including those of fighters and civilians who endured long hours under fire.
In March 2024, "Team Elhanan," comprising Menachem, Elhanan (posthumously), and Itiel Zohar, was awarded the Israel Prize for Resilience and Civil Heroism for their actions in Be'eri.
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