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Bat Yam, Israel — On October 7, Staff Sgt. Ofek Arbib, 21, a soldier from the Paratroopers Brigade, was killed while fleeing a terrorist attack at the Supernova music festival.
The tragic event, which unfolded during what was meant to be an off-duty weekend for the young soldier, has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and community.
Born and raised in Jerusalem, Ofek moved to Bat Yam at the age of 15 to live with his father, Nissim, and finish high school.
Described as a lively and generous young man with a passion for adventure, Ofek’s untimely death has shattered the dreams he had for his future.
A Hero’s Final Moments
On the night of October 6, Ofek had enjoyed a holiday meal at his grandmother’s house before heading to the Supernova music festival with a group of friends.
The festival, set against the backdrop of the Negev desert, promised a night of music and celebration. However, as the first signs of the attack began, Ofek and his friends were among the first to leave the festival grounds.
According to a eulogy delivered by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Ofek made a crucial phone call during his escape, warning a friend who had stayed behind about the terrorist invasion.
That call saved his friend’s life, a testament to Ofek’s bravery and quick thinking in the face of danger. Around 7 a.m., as Ofek and his friends reached the Yad Mordechai junction, they encountered Hamas terrorists lying in wait.
In an act of selflessness, Ofek shielded his friends with his body, absorbing the gunfire that ultimately claimed his life.
His two friends managed to escape the vehicle and find safety, but Ofek’s life was tragically cut short. It took five agonizing days before his body was identified, bringing closure to his family’s desperate search.
His family shared that, miraculously, all of Ofek’s other friends who attended the rave managed to survive. Ofek’s heroic actions undoubtedly contributed to the survival of those around him.
A Life Full of Passion and Dreams
Ofek’s life was marked by a love for adventure and a deep sense of responsibility to those around him. Beyond his commitment to the military, he had a variety of hobbies that reflected his dynamic personality.
Photography, Thai boxing, and sports were just a few of his interests, and during high school, he even embarked on the challenging Israel Trail hike, covering hundreds of kilometers through the country’s diverse landscapes.
At the age of 20, Ofek fulfilled a long-held dream by purchasing a motorcycle. He envisioned an extensive bike trip overseas with his father, planning to explore far-off destinations such as Morocco and Italy.
Sadly, that dream was never realized, leaving his father with the painful memory of a trip that will never be taken.
In a tribute to Ofek’s memory, his family and friends organized a motorcycle convoy one month after his funeral, honoring his love for riding and the journey he had hoped to undertake.
A Soldier’s Journey
After finishing high school, Ofek spent six months at a pre-army academy before enlisting in the Paratroopers Brigade in 2021.
His military service was more than just a duty; it was a path he pursued with determination and honor. Ofek had dreams of advancing within the ranks, with aspirations to enroll in an officer’s course in the future.
He was buried in Holon on October 12, with his family, friends, and comrades in attendance.
Ofek is survived by his parents, Ilana and Nissim, his older siblings Snir, Meshi, and Bar, and his stepsisters, Tal and Shahar. The loss of such a young, vibrant life has resonated deeply with all who knew him.
A Sister’s Tribute
In December, Ofek’s sister, Bar, took to Instagram to express her grief and the way she plans to honor her brother’s memory.
Her message was filled with the love and bond the two siblings shared, as she vowed to live life in a way that would have made Ofek proud.
“My revenge is to keep living, to smile our smile, to laugh and make others laugh like only we knew how,” she wrote.
“To take your trip to the Far East, to go to the beach for you. To travel around Israel like you loved so much, to be a new sister to your friends, to be a sister to your comrades.”
Bar’s tribute to her brother speaks of resilience and a commitment to carry on his legacy through acts of kindness, generosity, and love.
“My revenge will be in the shape of life, the shape of pure love,” she continued. “My revenge will be to memorialize your life, and not to live with the grief and your death. Our revenge is to stay the siblings we were.”
A Father’s Painful Loss
For Ofek’s father, Nissim, the loss of his son is a pain that words cannot fully convey. Speaking to a local news site, Nissim shared memories of his son’s kind and loving nature.
“He was a lot of fun, a daddy’s boy, the kind that every father would dream of having,” Nissim said.
“He was a friend and a son together. A kid who never asked for money, he always knew how to work things out, and he spread love to the world.”
Ofek’s generosity extended beyond his family. His father recalled how Ofek would often help those in need, giving money to people on the street and organizing donations for families who had fallen on hard times.
“If needed, he’d collect donations and bring food to people’s homes,” Nissim said. “More than once he called me from the army and said, ‘Someone in Bat Yam’s house burned down, we need to help them.’… He’d convince us to go, to buy paint and help them fix the house. You could never say no to him.”
The bond between father and son was profound, with Nissim recounting how they had always planned to travel together after Ofek’s military service.
“His dream was always when he was released from the army, we’d go on a joint [motorcycle] trip to all sorts of places,” Nissim said. “Sadly, we’ll never get to go on those trips.”
A Community in Mourning
As the community mourns the loss of a young life taken too soon, Ofek’s memory lives on through the stories and tributes shared by those who knew him best.
His bravery, generosity, and love for life will continue to inspire those who were touched by his presence.
Staff Sgt. Ofek Arbib may be gone, but his spirit endures in the hearts of his family, friends, and comrades, a testament to a life lived with purpose and courage.