Ori Epstein

Ori Epstein, son of Hila and Shai and brother of Hadar, Herut, Elad and Aviya, was born in Kiryat Arba and grew up in Peduel from his elementary school years. He loved working with his hands and chose to work in carpentry and construction. Alongside his work, he found time for the sea, nature and friends. His family described someone who invested in the relationships he built over the years, enjoyed the company of others and saw sharing and giving as a way of life. He sought his own path through independent thought and with respect for the people close to him.

After high school, he studied at the Eitan pre-military academy in Ma'ale Adumim. He took part in agricultural work, construction and social initiatives and was among those who helped advance projects at the academy. He later enlisted in the Givati Brigade and was accepted into its reconnaissance unit. During his service, he completed a lengthy training program and attained the rank of staff sergeant. On 7 October, he fought with his unit in Sderot and Nahal Oz and later took part in the fighting in the northern Gaza Strip. After months of fighting, he was discharged from regular service.

The difficult experiences of his service continued to accompany him, and he struggled with symptoms of post-traumatic stress. On 19 April 2024, 11 Nisan 5784, Ori died at the age of twenty-two. He was laid to rest in Alei Zahav and was survived by his parents and four siblings. His family held on to the memory of the bonds he had formed and his ability to see others and give of himself to those beside him.

In his memory, his parents and the Eitan academy worked to establish a space for emotional support called Or Eitan. The project was intended to offer students, graduates and members of the security forces a place for support and emotional processing. An article published in July 2026 described the opening of the center and the collaboration with therapists. In this way, those close to him sought to carry forward the values of care and partnership they saw in him and to give others tools and support as they prepared for the army and in the life that followed. May his memory be a blessing.