Avshalom Haran

Avshalom “Avshal” Haran was murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7 in Kibbutz Be’eri.

His wife, Shoshan, and their daughter Adi, son-in-law, Tal and grandkids Naveh, 8, and Yahel, as well as Avshalom’s sister, Sharon and her daughter, Noam, were all kidnapped and taken as hostages in Gaza. In late November, everyone but Tal was released as part of a truce deal.

His sister-in-law, Lilach Kipnis and her husband Eviatar Kipnis were also murdered on October 7.

Avshalom was buried on October 18 in the town of Omer in the south, where he grew up. He is also survived by his children, Yuval and Shaked, his mother Ruth and his brother Ronen.

Until 2018, he served as the CEO of the Kibbutz Economies Group, which concentrates the purchasing power of the kibbutz movement, and was an active philanthropist. His wife founded the Fair Planet NGO, which said it was “heartbroken” by news of his death: “Avshel, you were an inspiration, mentor and our dear friend. Rest in peace.”

Rachel Gur, who works with his daughter, Shaked, wrote on X that “Avshalom was a noted economist and a pillar of the kibbutz. A man full kindness and giving. He was a devout father and grandfather.”

Former Likud MK Keren Barak said that “Avshal was one of a kind, smart, professional and talented, who led the kibbutz overall and the Be’eri printing house specifically, to incredible economic achievements. A charismatic, captivating family man and incredible friend. I loved him so much, he was always there when I needed him, always.”

Gali Hartman, his sister-in-law, described Haran as “someone who everyone knows. Not only because of his job as the kibbutz secretary and the CEO of Mishkei Hakibbutzim, but mostly because he helps and touches everyone’s lives. Avshal makes time, uses his contacts and abilities to help and do good. He is the spine of our family.”

Shmulik Dudai, who worked with Haran for several years and remained friends, said he last heard from him about six weeks before October 7, when he called to offer his help with Dudai’s campaign for local council chief: “At the end, he said in his direct manner, ‘I’m here for you, whatever you need, I’ll help’… What a noble man, a true mensch!”

At his funeral, his son Yuval said he was “such a good father, you loved us and we loved you. I wanted to call you all week, but I have nobody to call.” He recalled sitting with him a few days before the attack “and discussing the family vacation. You were an inspiration for everything in my life. I am sure that you did everything you could to protect us.”

In her eulogy, his daughter Shaked said, “How do we part from the best father in the world? You always said that there was nothing you wouldn’t do for us. You were smart and loving, and touched the hearts of many.”

In December, comedian Jerry Seinfeld visited Be’eri and met with Yuval, touring the wreckage of his father’s home: “If my Dad could come back to life and see Seinfeld in his house, it would put a smile on his face.”
Source: The Times of Israel