Eliyahu Livman Shares Emotional Account of Son Elikim’s Heroic Death and His Political Resolve
Eliyahu Livman, a retired lieutenant colonel and former head of the Kiryat Arba council, gave a deeply moving interview on the podcast 'Kikar FM' with Eli Guthelf, recounting the tragic story of his son Elikim Livman. Elikim, a medic in Golani Brigade, was killed during the Hamas attack at Haniyon Reim, where he stayed behind unarmed to treat wounded soldiers and civilians before dying in a burning ambulance.
Livman described the seven months his family waited for Elikim’s return from captivity, during which they renovated his room and planned a celebratory meal, holding onto hope as Elikim’s brothers, fighting in Gaza, spray-painted his name on walls in the Strip. The family’s last joyful memory was a jeep trip in the Judean Desert during Sukkot, where Elikim, despite exhaustion, joined and cared for the family. The next day, he returned to work guarding the Nova party at Haniyon Reim, where the attack occurred.
On the morning of Simchat Torah, Livman received a chilling call from Elikim, who whispered that there were many wounded needing urgent evacuation. Despite being unarmed, Elikim stayed to help the injured while others fled or were killed. Livman then embarked on a harrowing solo journey through the war zone in southern Israel, searching among burned bodies and destroyed vehicles for his son’s remains. After 210 agonizing days, the family learned Elikim was not kidnapped but had died in the attack, his remains mistakenly buried with another victim in Holon. On Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day, Elikim was reburied in Kiryat Arba.
Guthelf revealed that his own father, part of the military burial unit, had painstakingly sifted through the ashes of the burning ambulance to identify victims, underscoring the silent heroism behind the scenes. Livman expressed profound gratitude for these efforts.
Despite his grief, Livman declared he has not broken and is channeling his pain into public service. He recently decided to join the national political party Noam, led by MK Avi Maoz, to fight for Israel’s identity and security, honoring Elikim and other fallen soldiers. Livman emphasized that true victory lies in taking responsibility, continuing life, and ensuring Israel is worthy of the sacrifices made.
This interview offers a poignant testament to courage, faith, and resilience amid tragedy, as Livman transforms personal loss into a commitment to lead and protect the nation.
