The funeral procession for Itzik Elgarat, who was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7 and murdered by Hamas, began this morning (Monday). Elgarat’s coffin, which was returned to Israel as part of the hostage deal, will be laid to rest in the yard of his home at Kibbutz Nir Oz.
The funeral departs from Rishon Lezion and will pass through the Rishonim Interchange, Yavne Interchange, Yad Mordechai Junction, the Arches Junction, Sa’ad Junction, and Gama Junction, until reaching the cemetery at Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he will be buried.
The funeral service is expected to begin at 2:00 PM and will be open to the public but closed to the media, in accordance with the family’s request.
Itzik was a Man of Giving
At the time of his death, Itzik Elgarat was 68 years old and a central figure in Kibbutz Nir Oz. He leaves behind two children who live in Denmark, a brother, and two sisters. His friends described him as a person who was always ready to help anyone in need. “We will remember him for his laughter, his big heart, and his willingness to always be there,” his family said.
This is a Difficult Moment, but Also an Opportunity to Honor His Memory
On the day of the massacre, after being injured by gunfire, Elgarat managed to call his brother Dani and ask for help. Dani guided him on how to stop the bleeding, but shortly after their call, the connection was lost. For many long months, it was unclear what had happened to him until it was revealed that he was taken alive to Gaza despite his injuries.
Itzik’s family invited the public to stand by the roadside with Israeli flags and participate in the funeral procession that departed from Rishon Lezion and will pass through major intersections in the south until it arrives in Nir Oz. “This is a difficult moment, but also an opportunity to honor the memory of Itzik, a man who contributed so much to the community and his friends,” his family added.
An Integral Part of the Community Life in Kibbutz
Itzik (Yitzhak) Elgarat was a dedicated maintenance worker in Kibbutz Nir Oz, a warm and beloved man who was always ready to help. An avid football fan and supporter of Maccabi Tel Aviv, he played himself and was an integral part of life in the kibbutz.
On the day of his abduction, he managed to call his brother, Dani Elgarat, who was a former police station commander in Ashdod. In this call, made at 11:27 AM, he sounded anxious and scared. He reported that he had been seriously injured in his hand but did not realize he had been shot by the militants. Dani guided him on how to stop the bleeding, but during the call, screams in Arabic were heard. “And then he shouted with his last strength: ‘Dani, it’s the end, Dani, it’s the end!’ and the call was disconnected,” Dani recounted.
Later, his phone tracking showed that at 12:00 PM, he crossed the security fence toward Gaza, and by 4:00 PM, he was already in the city center. Months later, released hostages testified that they had seen him, which gave hope to his family. His brother Dani, a prominent voice in the fight to return the hostages, hoped until the last moment to receive conclusive proof that he was alive.
Over the years, Itzik also lived in Denmark, where his children were born, and it is believed that due to security concerns, they avoided public exposure.
