Eitan Orbach

Eitan Orbach, the son of Neta and Meir Ze'ev, lived in Beit She'an. He was Nechama's husband and the father of Tzion, Da'el, Tzori, Carmi, and Argaman Shuva. He grew up in Alon Shvut and studied at the Eli pre-military academy. His life brought together work in the media, social involvement, and military service. He was among the founders and managers of the weekly Olam Katan, where he worked for years alongside his community activities in the city where he made his home.

During the war, Eitan served as a reserve officer in the territorial defense of farms in the Jordan Valley. Shuval Shoshan, his neighbor and friend who served under his command, described how he identified a shortage of troops and established a force to protect the farms. According to Shoshan, Eitan devoted days and nights to this effort for two years, alongside his work and other commitments. His friends described someone who retained his joy and positive outlook even under a heavy workload, and who acted with modesty and warmth.

Arnon Segal, his colleague at Olam Katan, spoke of a manager who preferred to work behind the scenes, handled several tasks at once, and continued to look after the editorial team's work even during his military service. A statement from the Beit She'an municipality remembered Eitan as a social activist and a familiar figure in the city's community. The accounts of his friends and the municipality show the connection between professional responsibility, public service, and prolonged military service to protect others.

On 5 December 2025, 15 Kislev 5786, Eitan was killed in a traffic accident on his way home from operational activity in the Jordan Valley. He was 50, and held the rank of major in the reserves. He was buried in the military section of Beit She'an Cemetery. His son Da'el said that on the evening before his father's final departure for guard duty, he had tried on a costume for his sister Tzion's wedding, and his father photographed him before they said good night. The family, preparing for a wedding, was left with the photograph and the memory of a father who had shared in the preparations and the joy they anticipated. May his memory be a blessing.