Mother Honors Fallen Daughter's Wish to 'Celebrate Life'

Orit Baruch, mother of fallen soldier Adi Odiya Baruch, shared her family's experience of grief and resilience in an interview with ynet. Adi, who was 22 when she was killed on October 12, 2023, had written a song before her death requesting that her loved ones "celebrate life" rather than mourn her passing. Orit described the profound difficulty of navigating holidays and family events after losing Adi, but stated that the family is striving to uphold their promise to her and choose life amidst their sorrow.

Adi, a successful wedding photographer, had been discharged from her mandatory service as a combat infantry dispatcher with an outstanding commendation. She was not called up for reserve duty until the October 7th attacks. Upon learning her father had been called up, Adi became upset that she was not also summoned for reserve duty. She actively contacted commanders and friends, insisting on being called up to serve, telling her mother, "I cannot stay home for a second after people were massacred and kidnapped and people are fighting for our existence here."

Adi eventually received her call-up orders and was assigned to reserve duty in Sderot. She was placed in the city's observation post, coordinating with her former commander, Lt. Col. Eitan Dana-Pikar, to enhance the city's defense systems. Tragically, on October 12, 2023, while entering Sderot with an escort officer, a rocket struck near their vehicle. The escort officer was seriously injured, and Adi sustained fatal wounds, passing away shortly before her 23rd birthday.

Orit recounted the agonizing process of learning about her daughter's death, initially through a Telegram message about casualties in Sderot, which triggered a visceral maternal premonition. Despite her husband's initial hope, Orit's intuition led her to believe the worst. After frantic calls and a visit to Barzilai Medical Center, the family was informed of Adi's passing.

The organization "One Family" continues to support Orit and her family, providing comfort and remembrance, especially during holidays. Rotem Goldstein, a coordinator with the organization, highlighted their efforts to be present for bereaved families. Adi herself had volunteered as a photographer for "One Family" at summer camps for children from these families, adding a poignant layer of continuity to her legacy of service and compassion.