October 7 · Personal story
Ofra Keidar
Abducted
October 7, 2023
Abduction location
Be’eri, during her usual morning walk near the kibbutz
Current outcome
Returned for burial · June 22, 2025
Her remains were recovered from Gaza in a joint IDF and Shin Bet operation and returned for burial in Be’eri.
01
Life before October 7
Ofra was born to Penina and Dov’le Gitel and grew up in Kibbutz Kedma. When Kedma disbanded in 1962, her family moved to Be’eri with other members; she later made the kibbutz her home. After a year of service at Kibbutz Elrom, she met Sami, and they returned to Be’eri, married and raised Elad, Oren and Yael.
02
October 7
Ofra left home for her customary early walk at about 5 a.m. on October 7. Near the fields she loved, she encountered the attackers and did not return; her daughter Yael was waiting at home. During a phone call, Ofra told her son Elad there was gunfire around her.
03
Death confirmed
Ofra was killed on October 7, and her body was taken to Gaza. The IDF announced in December 2023 that she had been declared dead. At her 2025 funeral, her son Elad recalled that the family received confirmation about two months after the attack.
04
Return for burial
The IDF reported on June 22, 2025, that Ofra’s remains had been recovered from Gaza. Her family said they felt relief that she could finally be buried in Be’eri, the place she loved. The funeral took place at the kibbutz cemetery on June 26.
05
Family and memory
Ofra worked about 30 years in Be’eri’s dairy, caring for newborn calves, then spent 15 years at the kibbutz children’s animal corner. Her routine included a 5 a.m. walk, swimming 60 lengths, tending her garden and time with grandchildren. Yael said at the funeral that she and her mother were friends and that she would carry her mother’s values forward.