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On October 7, 2023, Mordechai “Modi” Amir, 67, became a symbol of selflessness and bravery when he made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his family during a brutal terrorist attack on his home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
In the face of unimaginable danger, Amir’s final act saved the lives of his two daughters and granddaughter, a decision that will be remembered by those who loved him, and by many in Israel, as a powerful testament to his character and courage.
A Safe Haven Turned into a Target
The attack came during one of the darkest days in Israel’s history, as Hamas terrorists launched a coordinated assault on multiple communities in southern Israel, including Kfar Aza, a small kibbutz located near the Gaza Strip.
Modi, like other residents, had little time to react when it became clear that the kibbutz had been invaded.
Faced with an immediate threat, he moved quickly, instructing his two daughters and granddaughter to take refuge in the shower of their reinforced safe room, a small shelter he had personally built for moments just like this.
Knowing that the door to the safe room could not be locked, Modi made the difficult decision to stay in the main section of the room. His hope was that if the terrorists entered, they would believe he was alone, thus sparing the lives of his daughters and granddaughter.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
When the terrorists breached the home, Modi’s worst fears were realized. He was shot and killed in the very room that was meant to protect him and his family.
His body, however, became a shield, blocking the entrance to the bathroom where his loved ones were hiding. It was a gesture that saved their lives, allowing them to remain undiscovered during the violent attack.
They remained hidden in the shelter for nearly 24 hours before being rescued by Israeli security forces, physically unharmed but forever changed by the loss of their father and grandfather.
Modi’s son-in-law, Yony Kozo, reflected on the heartbreaking event with a mix of sorrow and admiration. Speaking to Makor Rishon, Kozo said, “Modi’s actions on October 7 were a deliberate decision, for what was best. It cost him his life, and this is how he saved his daughters and granddaughter.”
His words capture the devastating heroism of the moment—Modi’s quick thinking and resolve in the face of horror ensured the survival of those dearest to him.
A Life Built on Intelligence, Skill, and Laughter
Born in Givatayim, a suburb of Tel Aviv, Modi was always known for his hands-on approach to life. After moving to Kfar Aza at age 18 with a youth settlement group, he pursued a degree in biology at Ben Gurion University, where he met his wife, Batya.
The couple soon settled in Kfar Aza and raised their four children—Alon, Anat, Limor, and Zohar—in the close-knit kibbutz community.
Modi’s career path reflected his diverse skills and intellectual curiosity. He began as an electrician in the kibbutz but later transitioned into the technology sector, a shift that eventually led him to work for IBM, where he spent two decades.
In 2015, he joined Resonai, a startup where he continued to work until his untimely death. His career reflected not only his technical expertise but also his adaptability, a trait that defined him in both his professional and personal life.
“He was a computer guy in hi-tech companies, an amateur electrician, plumber, and carpenter,” Kozo said, describing Modi as a man with an innate ability to solve problems. “Modi was quick-thinking and always knew how to find the most practical solution.
That’s what he did in those moments,” Kozo added, referencing Modi’s decision to stay outside the bathroom, a final act of ingenuity and love.
Remembered for His Humor and Love of Family
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Modi was cherished for his warmth, humor, and unwavering dedication to his family. His daughter Anat shared a touching online tribute to her father, painting a vivid picture of a man who found joy in the simple things—whether it was telling stories, taking on new projects, or enjoying a favorite treat.
“Dad loved to laugh, and he was very funny,” Anat wrote. “He wouldn’t tell jokes, but he would tell his stories and his struggles. He had a natural talent for it and a charisma that made him and his stories the center of every conversation.”
In addition to his humor, Anat highlighted her father’s strong work ethic and meticulous standards. “He believed in work, and he did everything himself,” she said.
“Both because he was hardworking and enjoyed it, and also because he didn’t trust other professionals—who didn’t meet his high standards.”
Modi, who had personally built much of the family’s home, was also described as someone who loved learning, never hesitating to research and master any new task that came his way.
But above all, Modi was a family man. He adored his wife, children, and grandchildren, and nothing brought him more joy than spending time with them. Anat remembered her father as “the national champion of incredible hugs” and a man who “loved his children most of all.”
A Legacy of Love and Resilience
On October 18, eleven days after his death, Modi Amir was laid to rest in Tel Aviv. His funeral was attended by family, friends, and kibbutz members, all of whom gathered to pay their respects to a man whose life embodied kindness, ingenuity, and devotion to those he loved.
At his gravesite, a plaque created by Israeli artist Zeev (Shoshke) Engelmayer bore an inscription chosen by Anat: “Here lies Modi, the love of our lives, a man of work, smart and resourceful, a lover of people who laughed and made us laugh.”
As Israel continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragic events of October 7, stories like Modi’s offer a glimmer of humanity amid the darkness.
His courage, resourcefulness, and selflessness have left an indelible mark on his family, the Kfar Aza community, and all those who hear of his final, heroic act.
For his loved ones, the grief is profound, but so too is the pride in knowing that Modi’s legacy will endure, not just as a victim of violence, but as a hero who sacrificed everything to protect his family.