Idan Baruch

Idan was born on August 16, 2003, to Roni and Tami, and younger brother to Guy and Sahar. Later, the family welcomed Niv, the youngest brother. Idan’s sudden arrival caught his parents off guard, and he was born at home in Be’eri—a fact he took great pride in throughout his life. His brothers, Guy and Sahar, got to meet him even before the trip to the hospital, which forged a special bond between them.

Idan was a joyful, loving child. The boys would often tease their mother, who had hoped for a daughter but ended up with four sons. Over the years, Idan became the link that held his brothers together. They would watch Japanese anime, play Dungeons & Dragons and chess together. Even when Sahar was traveling in South America, they continued their chess games, letting the family know that Sahar was reachable. In the dining hall, Idan would clear his grandfather Yitzhak’s dishes, saying, “You took my tray when I was little, now I’m taking yours.”

Idan was part of the Nofar class. He was always on the move, full of rhythm, and loved drumming on anything within reach. He was an avid reader, particularly of fantasy books like Harry Potter. When he was younger, Sahar would read entire books to him, and when he grew older, he took on that role, reading to Niv. He was rarely seen without a book in hand and preferred traveling by train because it was easier to read than on a bus.

After finishing high school, where he earned his full diploma, Idan planned to continue studying. He was torn between studying nutrition and pastry making, as he had a deep love for baking. He had a talent for cooking and baking, especially desserts, which he often made for the family.

Idan had many interests and hobbies. He was a dedicated member of the No'ar Oved V'lomed youth movement, where he later became a devoted guide. He was hard-working, holding a job at La m'davesh, the kibbutz bike shop, where he was well-liked and highly regarded. He loved the outdoors, participated in a hiking club, and was part of a rowing team during his teenage years, where he stood out for his helpful nature and his sunny disposition.

After high school, Idan embarked on a year of community service in Karkur, as part of the Shiluvim commune, specializing in canine therapy—a field that deeply resonated with him as a lifelong dog lover. He later moved to a commune in Haifa, where he worked closely with children on the autism spectrum. He created a special bond with them, caring deeply for their well-being and feeling a great sense of responsibility towards them. Both before and after his year of pre-army service, Idan was committed to guiding others, showing kindness and sensitivity to the needs of those around him.

As his military service approached, Idan returned to the youth movement, joining the Nahal "Juno" group. He was assigned to the army’s soldier/teachers' course. Idan dreamed of a future that combined his love for the culinary arts and a life in Be’eri.

On weekends, he cherished time with his family, which is how he spent the day on Saturday, October 7th: at his mother’s home with his beloved brother Sahar and their dog Pepsi. During that dark Sabbath, Idan was injured, and Sahar tended to him throughout. Even in his final moments, Idan’s thoughts were with his family and neighbors.

We will always remember his kind heart, his sensitivity to others, and we will never stop missing him.