Daughter Honors Late Father by Continuing His Work with Sea Sports Charity After October 2023 Tragedy

Yamit Peretz, 23, from Kiryat Haim, shares her story of loss and resilience following the death of her father, Arik Peretz, during the October 7, 2023 attacks. Their last conversation was a reconciliation call on the afternoon of October 6, when Arik was at the Unity Festival, which Yamit and her family had planned to attend together. A last-minute argument led Arik to go alone to the festival, later moving to the Nova party, where he was killed. Yamit’s younger sister, Ruth, who suffered from severe disabilities and was also at the party, remains missing and presumed kidnapped.

Growing up in a challenging family environment with a sick mother and a disabled sister, Yamit found solace in the sea and kite surfing, a passion shared with her father. Arik was well-known in the surfing community and advocated for accessible parties for people with disabilities. After their parents’ divorce, Yamit served in the Border Police despite her father’s wishes, which strained their relationship.

Following the tragedy, Yamit has been focused on healing and honoring her family’s legacy. She returned to the "Sea Flyers" association, where her father was deeply involved, working in fundraising and social roles. She also resumed kite surfing and coaching children, including those with special needs and trauma. Inspired by a late mentor, she is committed to continuing her father’s mission of inclusion in sea sports.

Yamit is studying music production, inspired by her sister’s love of music, and plans to study aerospace engineering at the Technion. Her ultimate dream is to establish an accessible kite surfing company for people with disabilities, preserving her father and sister’s memory through their shared passions.