Sahar Baruch

Sahar, son of Tami and Roni, was born on November 25, 1998, shortly after the family returned to Be'eri from a year-long sabbatical in the north, along with his older brother Guy. Later, his younger brothers, Idan and Niv, joined the family. The household was lively and full of energy, as is often the case with four brothers. They shared a close bond, as well as mutual interests and activities.

Sahar was a quiet and curious child. He attended the "Shaked" (Almond) Kindergarten and was part of the "Ananas" (Pineapple) group on the kibbutz. His gentle nature allowed him to form close connections with the girls in his class. He had a wide range of interests, including judo, cycling, and music. He played both the organ and the trumpet well. Sahar had a rich inner world and a deep connection with his brothers. Together with Idan and Guy, he participated in the regional council’s kayaking club for many years. This club revealed another side of his personality: his adventurous spirit and leadership skills. It also provided an opportunity for the brothers to bond even further, and enjoy shared experiences.

At school, Sahar excelled in the sciences. His hobbies included chess, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic Cards, and fantasy books, which he loved reading to his younger brothers to share his passion with them. He played chess frequently, took part in several competitions, and even won some. He also enjoyed playing chess online with people from around the world.

During his teenage years, Sahar grew his hair long, which he donated when he cut it before joining the military.

He enlisted in the Navy, serving as a mechanic on a missile boat. He successfully completed his training course; his friends often said that during their study sessions, though Sahar might have been relaxing, he would sit up suddenly, provide detailed and well-explained answers to their questions, and then go back to relaxing. His comrades admired his professionalism and knowledge and knew they could always rely on him, as he was dedicated and committed to his work. His service coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant long stays aboard the missile boat.

Sahar participated in several voyages from Haifa Bay to Eilat via the Suez Canal—trips that left a lasting impression on him. When he was discharged during the second lockdown, his plans for post-service travel were altered, leading to a postponed trip to Japan, which remained an aspiration for the future.

Upon his release from the military, Sahar returned to work in Be'eri. He initially worked as a tutor for elementary-school children, demonstrating dedication and seriousness. He managed to balance playful interactions with the children while maintaining his responsibilities as a mentor. His clear boundaries, combined with his sensitivity to the children, fostered deep and meaningful relationships, earning him the appreciation of the children, their parents, and the staff. He was a beloved tutor and continued in this role until the end of the school year, after which he worked at the local print shop.

One of Sahar's greatest dreams was embarking on the "big trip," as so many post-military young adults did, and he approached it with his characteristic seriousness. In preparation, he set out on the Israel National Trail, where he met new people and faced challenges he had set for himself. After a brief period of rest, he left for a long trip to South America. Enthusiastically, he embarked on treks in the mountains and described to his family the breathtaking places he visited—the Iguazu Falls, salt deserts, silver mines, and rivers with waters reddened by dissolved minerals.

During his travels, he often played chess online with Idan back home, allowing his family to keep track of his whereabouts. Sahar returned from his travels with long hair, which he had planned to donate again during his studies.

Sahar was accepted to study Electrical and Computer Engineering at Ben-Gurion University, a field in which he excelled. He returned from his travels to begin his studies, which were set to start on October 20, and he was looking forward to them. In the meantime, he worked briefly with his grandfather Yitzhak in the print shop.

On a Saturday morning, at the start of the attack on Be'eri, Sahar woke up with Idan in their mother's home. Both were injured by shrapnel from grenades thrown at them. Sahar took care of Idan whole-heartedly. By midday, the attackers had set the house on fire, and the brothers decided to jump out of the secure-room window. Sahar briefly delayed to retrieve Idan’s inhaler, and that was the last time he was heard from. Idan was murdered near the house, and it was later revealed that Sahar had been abducted and taken to Gaza. Sahar celebrated his 25th birthday in captivity. 

After 62 days in captivity, on the second night of Hanukkah, the heartbreaking news of his subsequent murder reached his family.

Almost two years passed; Sahar has finally been brought to rest in Kibbutz Be'eri soil, where he grew up.

May his memory be blessed.