Yotam Ovadia, HY”D, cut down in the prime of his life by a 17 year old terrorist. The similarities to Ari Fuld HY’D are eerily similar.
Yotam fought until his last drop of blood to save others around him. Yotam was a decorated combat veteran, having served with honor, in the Mishmar Hagvul Unit, protecting our Holy Land from terrorists, and in the end was brutally murdered by a 17 year old terroist as he was walking through a park on his way home.
He leaves behind his wife, Tal, 28, and 2 young children, Itay and Harel, both under 3 years old.
After the shiva, shloshim, chagim, and after all the dignitaries went back to their lives, Tal is left destitute. Yotam’s murder did not make the international news. The Ovadia family is a simple family with no financial means and no friends or family abroad.
Tal has no way to raise her children alone, earning a teachers salary of $600 per month. She is relying on handouts for food and diapers.
This memorial fund which will be kept in trust for her children, will be in a trust account managed by attorney Rafi Mazor in Haifa, Israel.
A letter (translated) from Yotam’s wife Tal:
Original Hebrew below
A memorial to my huband and the father of our childen, Itay and Harel
Yotam Ovadia Hy “d, was murdered on the eve of Tu B’Av by a terrorist in the settlement of Adam. Yotam was humble, modest, shy, an exemplary family man, loved all and loved by his family and friends.
Yotam was a man who respected his parents in an exemplary way, loved his wife Tal and their two children.
This dear and beloved man was murdered only because he was a Jew.
Yotam was 31 when he died. Survived by a wife and two small children. Harel is 3 years old and Itai is 9 months old.
Yotam served in a combat unit in the Border Police and was highly respected by his commanders. Upon completion of his military service
he began working at Brinks and also at his place of work, and was highly regarded by his managers and employees.
On the evening of Tu B’Av (26.7.18) Yotam wanted to surprise his wife Tal for Tu B’Av and prepare her a romantic dinner. When he came out of his house to bring the groceries for a meal, he was attacked by a terrorist who stabbed him deep and severe, and brought him to his death.
Yotam was a great hero and did not give in to the cursed terrorist who surprised him from behind. Yotam fought heroically with him through
his fatal injuries. Yotam fought the terrorist until his last drop of blood and thus prevented a larger attack on families and others who were around the scene.
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The funeral was attended by hundreds of people who gave their last respects to ministers, Knesset members and the mayor of Jerusalem. Each one delivered an emotional speech about Yotam and the hate crimes of our enemies.
With Yotam’s death we joined the bereaved family. The pain of his tragic death can not be cured. The pain is unbearable
And knowledge does not accept the reality.. Our reality has changed, our lives have changed. The older boy Harel does not stop
to miss his father, who would never see him again. The children, Harel and Itay, will not understand what it means to always feel a father’s absence.
Love of my life, we will never forget you! We will not forget your good heart and the beautiful, happy and wonderful moments
that we had together. You were everything to us. You loved everyone and everyone loved you. You had a heart of gold and family.
She was always at your priority.
Yotam I miss you, the children and all of the family miss you.. As time passed and the longing passed, it became larger.
My beloved, rest between the wings of the Shechina and protect us from all harm.
God will avenge your blood and the terorists and their messengers will be punished. We will treasure you in our hearts for ever.
Your soul will be bundled with the bundle of eternal life.
