The Heroic Story of Ofek
On the morning of Saturday, October 7, 2023, Sergeant Major Ofek Russo, a fighter and medic in “Shayetet 13” (Israeli equivalent to the Navy Seals Unit), was urgently dispatched from his base in Atlit. Together with his team, they began moving southward. They made a stop in Ofakim, where they assisted the wounded before immediately continuing to Kibbutz Be'eri, one of the most intense hotspots where hundreds of terrorists had overrun the area, killing, destroying, and burning everything in their path.
Ofek and his handful team of fighters moved from house to house, from yard to yard, under heavy fire, eliminating dozens of terrorists and rescuing families trapped in their home shelters (Mammad) that had been set ablaze by the attackers.
Throughout the combat hours, Ofek fought bravely and provided medical care to the wounded. At 2:15 AM (between Saturday and Sunday), after approximately 10 hours of intense and grueling fighting, two soldiers were wounded. Ofek, who was just a few meters away from the injured soldiers, ran towards them under crossfire to administer treatment.
Ofek was shot and killed while shielding a critically injured soldier with his body. The soldier was evacuated, underwent life-saving surgery, recovered, and returned to his family.
In recognition of his supreme bravery, Ofek was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major.
A Memorial Website for Every Fallen Soldier
When I lost my dear and beloved son, Ofek, who fell in battle at Kibbutz Be'eri, I knew that I would dedicate my life to commemorating him and spreading his legacy, which was built on values such as giving and loving others. Creating a website in his memory, where we gathered every piece of remembrance—photos, stories, the music he loved—became my refuge. Through the website, I could return to my Ofek at any moment, relive him, and reconnect with him time and again. From this understanding, a greater idea was born: to commemorate all the brave and heroic fallen soldiers of the "Swords of Iron" war. I felt that every family should have a special place where they can gather, preserve, and share the memories of their loved ones. And so, my project, "To the Horizon," was born out of immense and profound personal pain, and from a desire to allow every family to experience this deep connection and find comfort in commemorating their loved ones.
The memorial site will serve to achieve a range of important objectives:
We believe that memory and remembrance are an inseparable part of our heritage.
Your generous contribution will bring this commemoration to life.
Establishing a memorial website for every soldier who fell heroically in the "Operation Iron Swords."
The website will be entirely dedicated to the memory of each soldier, providing a virtual space where family, friends, and the community can preserve their memory in the most tangible way and pass on their legacy to future generations.
Life Story from Childhood to Enlistment
A description of a person's life from their childhood up until their enlistment. Behind every fallen soldier lies a moving and unique life story, one that began long before they faced the moment of enlistment.
Writing their life story provides not only a historical record but also a deeply personal and meaningful connection. This connection allows us to understand the personality of the fallen, their dreams, aspirations, and values, and it deepens our appreciation for their life and legacy, ensuring that their memory remains alive and significant for future generations.
A Heroic Tale
Writing the story of the fallen soldier's heroism is an act of profound remembrance that imparts deep meaning to his memory. The story allows us to understand and appreciate the values and principles that led the soldier to sacrifice his life for the country and the community.
Tributes to the fallen soldier
Writing and presenting media and press references about the fallen is an important and respectful way to honor his memory and share his story with the wider public.
These references provide external and significant validation of his story, illustrating the broad impact he had on society.
Media mentions offer the family and friends a sense of recognition and appreciation from the broader community, connecting the fallen's story to the national and communal history. They highlight the public importance of his memory and ensure that he remains part of the collective memory of society.
Albums
Displaying a gallery of photos capturing moments from the life of the fallen soldier is a powerful and moving way to honor their memory. These images visually and tangibly tell their story, offering visitors to the site an intimate and personal connection with the soldier. Each photo reflects a special moment in their life—whether from childhood, adolescence, military service, or time spent with family and friends. The gallery allows those who knew and loved the soldier to revisit cherished memories, while those who didn't know them can feel the strength of their personality and the legacy they left behind. The photos bring their story to life, bridging generations, and deepening the emotional connection and identification with their life and sacrifice.
Family and Friends Write
When friends and family share their personal memories, they add an intimate and authentic dimension to the fallen soldier's life story. These stories provide depth and meaning to the memory and allow visitors to the memorial site to get to know the fallen through the eyes of those who knew and loved them. Presenting these memories at the memorial site adds a profound emotional layer, strengthens the empathy and connection to the fallen's memory, and ensures that their story remains vibrant and moving for all who encounter it.
Commemoration
Presenting commemoration activities on the site is crucial for preserving the memory of the fallen and connecting the community to their legacy. These activities bring their memory to life, strengthen the emotional bond, inspire, and provide support to family and friends. They ensure that their legacy is maintained and influences future generations, creating a framework in which to honor their contributions and sacrifices.
Quotes
Displaying quotes from the fallen at the memorial site is a significant and profound way to preserve their voice and thoughts, and to convey their personality in a vivid and authentic manner. Quotes allow visitors to hear the fallen in their own words, to connect with their insights and personal feelings, and to understand their values and inner world. Presenting quotes also serves as small fragments of memory that reflect the spirit of the fallen.
Music
Music is an integral part of our daily lives, carrying with it many emotions and memories. Presenting a list of favorite songs is a unique and touching way to keep someone's memory alive. Beloved songs can reflect personal taste, moments of joy and sadness, and the experiences from which special memories were created.
