Teenager Who Moved From Netherlands to Israel for Agriculture Studies Dies in Crash

Yael Rom Gabizon, 17, who moved from the Netherlands to Israel to pursue her dream of studying and working in agriculture, was killed in a severe road accident near Kibbutz Tirat Zvi in the Beit She'an Valley. She died alongside 18-year-old Zohar Tamir, another student in the "Adam Ve'Adama Tavor" educational-agricultural program. Three other individuals were injured in the crash.

Yael had left her mother in the Netherlands to come to Israel, and her mother subsequently moved to Israel to be with her. The accident occurred on Saturday night when Zohar was driving Yael and another friend. According to a survivor, Zohar attempted to swerve to avoid a head-on collision, but the vehicle overturned. The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the Northern District Police.

Yael was a student in the "Adam Ve'Adama Tavor" program, which combines studies with practical agricultural work. Zohar, a resident of Kibbutz Tirat Zvi, had recently celebrated his 18th birthday and had successfully passed the "Sayarot" (special forces selection) day, preparing for significant service in the IDF. He had also enjoyed traveling and had dreamed of joining Sayeret Matkal.

Tali Almoz, a co-founder of the "Adam Ve'Adama Tavor" program, described Yael as a young woman seeking meaning in life and work on the land. Almoz shared a recent video of Yael smiling while participating in olive harvesting with her peers, which has now become her last memory. Almoz emphasized the program's goal of connecting youth to the land and its values.

Both Yael and Zohar were laid to rest on Sunday. Zohar was buried in Kibbutz Tirat Zvi, and Yael was buried in Kadima-Tzoran. A large group from the "Adam Ve'Adama" community, including students, alumni, parents, and educators, attended Yael's funeral to support her mother and honor her memory, with many remaining by her grave long after the ceremony concluded.