Edan Barukh

On October 22, 2023, the peaceful life of Edan Barukh, 20, and his younger brother, Sahar, 25, was shattered when armed militants invaded their kibbutz. In a panic, Edan urged Sahar to escape through their bedroom window while he confronted their captors, determined to protect his brother.

As Sahar fled into the night, Edan fought bravely but was captured. Days turned into weeks, and hope for Edan’s return faded. Then, a chilling video surfaced from Hamas, showing Edan lifeless and bloodied, claiming he had been killed during a rescue operation.

Despite the heartbreaking news, the Barukh family refused to let despair consume them. They held vigils, sharing stories of Edan’s kindness and resilience, transforming their grief into a celebration of his spirit. Edan became a symbol of strength and unity, inspiring others to stand against hatred and cherish the bonds of family and love in a world torn by conflict.On the morning of October 7th, Edan Barukh and his younger brother, Sahar, were spending time with their mother in their home in Bari when the piercing wail of sirens shattered the calm. Heart racing, Edan grabbed Sahar’s hand, and they sprinted to the safe room.

They managed to shut the door, but it jammed, and panic set in as they barricaded it with furniture. Suddenly, grenades exploded inside, and chaos erupted. Edan felt a sharp pain as debris flew, while Sahar rushed to his side. “Stay with me, Edan!” he shouted, desperately trying to help.

As the fire spread and smoke filled the air, Edan knew they had to escape. Sahar opened the door and stepped outside, but a gunshot rang out, and Edan screamed, “Sahar!”

Summoning all his strength, Edan leaped after his brother, but he saw Sahar frozen in shock at the doorway. “Go!” Edan yelled, but it was too late.

In those harrowing moments, the bond between the brothers shone through. Though the flames consumed their refuge, their courage would never be extinguished. Edan and Sahar Barukh became symbols of bravery and love, their story inspiring all who heard it.