Nature Authority Honors Hamas Captive Ovad Yehalomi With Scorpion Exhibit

Israel's Nature and Parks Authority is commemorating Ovad Yehalomi, who was killed by Hamas after being taken captive on October 7, through a new educational initiative. The initiative includes a poster illustrating scorpion species found in Israel and a quiz created by his widow, Bat Sheva Yehalomi, available in Hebrew and Arabic. Yehalomi, who worked for the Nature and Parks Authority for nearly 19 years in key conservation roles, including head of the southern region for the Green Patrol, had authored a guide to scorpions in Israel. He viewed his work with these often-feared creatures as an opportunity to foster education and a love for nature.

The poster, illustrated by Tuvia Koratz in collaboration with experts, features a QR code linking to the quiz. It will also be distributed to the Ministry of Education to ensure the knowledge is passed on to future generations. "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," said Bat Sheva.

During the October 7th attack, Yehalomi was killed in his home in Nir Oz after confronting Hamas terrorists who infiltrated the kibbutz. He was abducted from his home and murdered in Hamas captivity. His widow and daughters managed to escape, but their 12-year-old son, Eitan, was taken hostage to Gaza. Eitan was released 52 days later as part of the first hostage deal, after enduring significant psychological terror during his captivity.