Fallen teen hero from Nahal Oz to posthumously receive Civilian Medal of Valor
“We embrace the family of Tomer, the wounded and the bereaved families, and continue to pray for the return of Omri Miran and the 49 hostages are still detained,” said Kibbutz Nahal Oz.
Tomer Eliaz -Arava, a 17 -year -old from Kibbutz Nahal Oz, murdered during the massacre of October 7, will posthumously receive the greatest civil honor in Israel – the value of the value. President Isaac Herzog is expected to give the price during a ceremony at the president’s residence in about six weeks.
On the morning of October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists infiltrated the Kibbutz Nahal Oz, entering the Arava-Elikim family home. Tomer was taken hostage and held under the threat of a firearm. The attackers forced him to knock on the doors of the neighbors to try to attract them in the opening. But Tomer, demonstrating extraordinary courage, found a way to warn residents, telling them that the houses were empty – a heroic act that saved several families.
Born September 22, 2006, Tomer was the third child of Dikla and Maayan Eliaz and Odin and Stav’s brother. In a tribute published by Kibbutz Nahal Oz on Facebook, he was described as “a boy with a huge heart, full of life, who loved sport and his friends, and was still there for everyone”. He was killed in the Kibbutz fights, 17 years old.
“His remarkable memory remains with us,” wrote the Kibbutz. “As a hero, as a boy who stood face to face with his murderers and played with composure. Above all, we will remember his magical smile, forever 17. ”
The position added a message of solidarity with all the victims of the attack: “We embrace the family of Tomer, the wounded and the bereaved families, and continue to pray for the return of Omri Miran and the 49 hostages which are always kept.”
President Isaac Herzog. (Credit: Haim Zach / GPO)
Ceremony at the president’s residence
The medal was established by Herzog after the massacre of October 7 in recognition of “heroism acts” of Israeli citizens who have been revealed since the start of the war.
The ceremony will take place at the president’s residence on September 4, 2025.
Among the recipients, many of whom helped to fight against the terrorists of Hamas, is Malham As’ad, a Druze-Israeli who helped Maccabi Jewish fans during the violent attacks of Amsterdam in November.
In addition, Yuval Kestelmen, who helped kill two Hamas terrorists during an attack in 2023 and was killed by a friendly fire, will receive a posthumous prize alongside the victims of October 7.
It is the second year of Herzog which attributes what he called “the highest price of civilian valor”. Last year, he said that the ceremony would continue to be conferred by him and the future presidents.
