Hamas Captive's Love for Scorpions Honored in New Educational Project

A new educational initiative by Israel's Nature and Parks Authority is set to honor the memory of Ovad Yehalomi, who was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz and murdered in Hamas captivity. Yehalomi, a dedicated wildlife expert and author of "Scorpions of Israel," was passionate about educating others about nature, even creatures often feared. His widow, Bat Sheva Yehalomi, has created a new quiz to accompany a poster illustrating various scorpion species found in Israel. The initiative aims to continue Yehalomi's educational legacy and foster a love for nature among younger generations. Yehalomi, who worked for the Nature and Parks Authority for nearly two decades, holding key positions in conservation, including director of the southern region for the Green Patrol, was killed by Hamas after being taken hostage on October 7. The new poster, illustrated by Tuvia Koratz in collaboration with experts, includes a QR code linking to the quiz, which will be distributed to the Ministry of Education. Bat Sheva Yehalomi expressed her hope that her husband's work would continue, stating, "What is important to us is that Ovad's work continues after him, that his memory continues. I am sure he would have been very pleased with the result." The article also recounts the harrowing events of October 7, when Yehalomi sacrificed himself by exiting a malfunctioning safe room to secure the door from the outside, protecting his wife and children from infiltrating terrorists. He was subsequently wounded and bled out as terrorists forced his family out of their home before abducting their 12-year-old son, Eitan, to Gaza. Eitan was eventually released after 52 days in captivity as part of a hostage deal.