Bereaved Brother Turns His Fallen Sibling’s Notes Into a Book on Education

Itai Venino, the brother of IDF soldier Amichai Venino, who was killed fighting in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on Simchat Torah, describes the journey behind a new book titled “Chanoch LaNa’ar” (“Educate a Child”). The book draws on the writings, reflections, poems and letters Amichai left behind, especially material about education, guidance and human development.

Venino told Route 7 that after hours of determined combat, Amichai fell and left behind a rich inner world of texts about the human soul and a person’s path in life. While going through his brother’s notebooks, he initially looked for references to students’ obligations, but instead found what he called “a whole world” of notes on education, personal growth and strengthening the self. He said he felt it was important to bring those ideas to the public and to all of Israel.

The book combines Amichai’s notes on the book itself with additional writings gathered from his papers, including poems, letters he wrote to his educators, and texts about his role in Bnei Akiva. Venino said he was surprised by how central education was to his brother and how important it was to Amichai to meet each student where he or she stands.

Among Amichai’s words quoted in the article: “Every person is a divine soul, and no one can be belittled or reduced in value. We must advance them from where they are and love them.” Venino hopes the book will expose many readers to his brother’s worldview and says that people focusing on Amichai also gives his family strength. He closes by quoting a longer passage that criticizes raising “perfect” children by pressure, comparisons and constant “no,” asking whether educators and parents are truly helping children build self-worth, self-acceptance and leadership.