His resistance delayed Hamas terrorists from penetrating into the kibbutz giving residents time to hide and alert security forces.

By Hezy Laing

On the morning of October 7, 2023, as Hamas launched its surprise assault across southern Israel, Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak came under direct attack.

Among the first to respond was Sergeant Major (res.) Tal Chaimi, a 41-year-old father of four and commander of the kibbutz’s emergency response squad.

A third-generation resident of Nir Yitzhak, Chaimi had deep roots in the community and military experience from his service in the IDF’s Paratroopers Brigade.

When the attack began, Chaimi instructed his wife, Ela, to shelter with their children in the reinforced room of their home.

He then joined the local rapid response team at the kibbutz entrance, where dozens of Hamas terrorists were attempting to breach the perimeter.

Armed with limited weapons and facing overwhelming numbers, Chaimi and his team engaged in a fierce firefight to repel the attackers.

The battle lasted for hours, with the defenders holding their ground despite the odds.

Six members of the kibbutz’s security team were killed, including Chaimi, Yaron Shahar (the chief), Oren Goldin, Boaz Abraham, Lior Rudaeff, and Ofek Arazi.

Some of their bodies, including Chaimi’s, were taken by Hamas into Gaza.

Their resistance delayed the Hamas terrorists from penetrating deeper into the kibbutz, giving residents precious time to shelter in reinforced rooms and alert security forces.

According to family members and survivors, this stand likely prevented a massacre similar to what occurred in other nearby communities.

Many families credit his actions and those of his team with saving their lives.

After the six defenders were killed, the situation became more dire.

Hamas fighters managed to breach parts of the kibbutz, and several residents were either killed or taken hostage.

Haimi’s body was abducted into Gaza, and his death was only confirmed two months later through intelligence reports.

Despite the loss of its defenders, the kibbutz’s early warning and resistance allowed IDF reinforcements to arrive and eventually secure the area.

The bravery of the initial squad is now commemorated as a defining moment of heroism, and their sacrifice is credited with saving dozens of lives.

For weeks, Chaimi was listed as missing. In December 2023, Israeli intelligence confirmed he had been killed during the initial assault. His family held a funeral without his remains.

Nearly two years later, in October 2025, Hamas returned his body to Israel via the Red Cross, and it was identified at the Abu Kabir forensic institute.

Chaimi’s stand at Nir Yitzhak is remembered as an act of extraordinary bravery.

His defense delayed the attackers and protected many lives, earning him posthumous recognition as a symbol of courage and sacrifice.