The family of the kidnapped Tal Chaimi was informed this evening (Wednesday) of his murder in a surprise attack on Simchat Torah.
Tal, 41, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, has been held captive by Hamas for 68 days. He was the deputy chief of police at the kibbutz and one of the first to jump into combat during the attack. Since then, his family has not known what happened to him - until this evening's news.
""Tal is a third-generation founder of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak and was deeply connected to the kibbutz and one of the pillars of the community," the kibbutz said. "His family and friends say that he was always the first to help, lend a hand, and instill calm and confidence in everyone around him.
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""Just about three months ago, Tal lost his mother, Esti, after a battle with a serious illness. Tal left behind his wife Ella, three children - 9-year-old twins and a 6-year-old boy, his father Zohar and his sister Or. May his memory be blessed." His wife Ella is pregnant.
Tal, who worked as an engineer at a factory in Revivim, left the house on the morning of Black Sabbath, informed Ella that there were terrorists on the kibbutz and told her to lock the door. Ella locked herself in, blocked the door with furniture and equipped herself with a knife. At ten in the morning, contact with Tal was lost, and she and the children were only rescued at nine in the evening.
Udi Goren, Tal's cousin, told Esti Perez Ben-Ami on the B channel in November: "He defended the house, and with great luck the terrorists did not enter their house.".
Before the hostage deal, Udi said they understood that Tal would not be among those released. "We choose to believe the cabinet members and government members who are talking to us, and from what they say, this is the best thing that can be done now.".
