The Dream That Was Cut Short on October 7 –

Will Reach the Starting Line in California

My name is Oded, and I’m the father of Itay – a quiet, kind-hearted young man with a big smile, endless curiosity, and a natural gift for everything mechanical. He was born and raised in southern Israel, near the Gaza border, and from a young age it was clear: his heart belonged to engines, open terrain, precision, and adrenaline.

Itay dreamed of one day reaching King of the Hammers – the world championship of off-road racing held annually in the California desert. It’s considered the toughest race in the world. He knew every team, every car, and every driver by name. He truly believed that one day, he’d be there – standing proudly at the starting line.

On October 7, 2023, when terrorists infiltrated the Israeli border communities, Itay – a soldier on leave from his elite unit – didn’t hesitate. From our home in Moshav Yesha, he ran out to save lives.

He rescued civilians. He fought bravely.
And he fell in battle.
He was only 20 years old.

Since that day, I’ve felt a deep need to carry out the dream that was stolen from him.

This coming February, I will fly to California to stand at the starting line of King of the Hammers – not as a racer, but as a father. I’ll join the Israeli team as technical manager, alongside driver Michael Chen, a six-time participant in the event. On our vehicle will fly the Israeli flag – and a picture of Itay.

This race will not be about coming in first.
It will be about legacy, memory, longing – and a love that has no finish line.

We are seeking your support to fund our participation in the race and to help maintain the vehicle, cover insurance, and make this dream a reality – not just this year, but for the next three years, exactly as Itay had hoped.

Your contribution will bring Itay’s spirit to the place he always dreamed of – and share his story with millions of viewers around the world.

Together, we can make this happen.
Together, we can turn pain into purpose – and keep Itay’s dream alive.

Donations supporting Itay’s legacy are processed through Support Israel, a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 93-4042469).
All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.