October 7 · Personal story
Lior Rudaeff
Abducted
October 7, 2023
Abduction location
Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, where he joined the local security team.
Current outcome
Returned for burial · November 7, 2025
Killed defending Nir Yitzhak on October 7, 2023; his body was taken to Gaza after death, returned to Israel on November 7, 2025, and buried November 10.
01
From Argentina to Nir Yitzhak
Lior moved from Argentina to Israel with his family at seven. He started in the kibbutz garage at age twelve, became an expert on vehicles, and taught young people to drive tractors and forklifts. After serving in an anti-aircraft unit, he married Yaffa in 1985; they raised four children. He served on Nir Yitzhak’s security team for about forty years and volunteered as an ambulance driver for roughly twenty-five. He also worked in traffic safety and enjoyed motorcycles, cycling and cooking.
02
Defending the kibbutz
When Lior heard that Nir Yitzhak was under attack, he left to join its local response team. He and other responders fought to protect the community. His son Nadav later recalled that Lior went out without hesitation and fought alongside Tal Haimi. Lior was killed that morning while defending his home.
03
His body held in Gaza
Lior was killed in the fighting, and his body was taken to Gaza. For months, his family hoped he might still be alive. In May 2024, authorities confirmed that he had died on October 7. The family held a memorial and sat shiva but could not bury him while his body remained in Gaza.
04
Return and burial
Lior’s identified remains were returned to Israel on November 7, 2025. He was buried in Nir Yitzhak on November 10.
05
Remembered by family
Lior left Yaffa, four children and three grandchildren. His son Nadav remembered his blue eyes, rolling laughter and repeated jokes, and described him as direct, caring and nearly always smiling.