Family of Fallen Israeli Soldier Establishes 'Amichai House' to Honor His Legacy
Nearly three years after the death of Staff Sergeant Amichai Shimon Rubin in the Simchat Torah battles, his family is founding "Amichai House" in Acre, a study center dedicated to perpetuating his values through Torah, Zionism, leadership, and love for others. His father, Yishai Rubin, continues to share not only Amichai's battlefield heroism but also his inner world, character development, and sensitivity that defined him from childhood. The family invites the public to participate in realizing this vision.
Amichai was the third of eight children, raised in Acre where his family established a religious community nearly 30 years ago. Yishai describes Amichai as a brave soldier who always noticed the person in front of him and devoted his life to giving and action. Amichai worked hard on his character traits, striving to improve himself and support his comrades, often carrying heavy loads despite his own burdens.
Recounting the battle at the base on Simchat Torah, Yishai recalls how Amichai was among the first to grab a weapon and fight barefoot with only a Negev machine gun and one ammo box. Despite multiple injuries, including shrapnel wounds and a severe head injury, he continued fighting for hours until a grenade explosion ended his life. After his passing, the family discovered notebooks with his thoughts and Torah insights, including the motto "First of all, pay attention to the person in front of you," which became a guiding principle.
Following the declaration of brain death, the family consented to organ donation, saving five lives. This act brought both profound sorrow and joy. To continue Amichai's path, the family partnered with the Avner preparatory program in Acre to establish "Amichai House" at the city's central Ashkenazi synagogue. The center aims to foster new leadership among youth based on Amichai's values of Torah, Zionism, love of the land, and leadership.
Yishai emphasizes that while the pain of loss remains, the family chose to channel their strength into meaningful action. He sees the growing community support as proof that Amichai's influence endures. The family calls on the public to join in this mission of remembrance and impact through "Amichai House."
