June 10, 2024
At AJC Global Forum 2024, the premier global Jewish advocacy conference, American Jewish Committee (AJC) debuted Heroes of Israel, three stories of Israeli citizens who have risen to become extraordinary heroes in the wake of Hamas’ October 7 massacre. Watch their inspiring stories below.
Ofir Libshtein z’l
AJC honored and remembered Ofir Libshtein z’l, 50, an Israeli politician and peace advocate who was murdered by Hamas terrorists at Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7 while defending his beloved community. Libshtein was the first named fatality among the 1,200 murdered by Hamas. Three of his family members, including his 19-year-old son Nitzan, were among those murdered in the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. To honor Ofir’s memory and unwavering coexistence efforts, AJC created the Ofir Libshtein Bridge Building Award, which was accepted on stage by Doron Libshtein, Ofir's brother.
Nasreen Yousef
AJC honored Nasreen Yousef, whose calm demeanor and quick thinking helped prevent a massacre in the village of Moshav Yated on October 7. Yousef, a Druze mother of four who speaks Arabic, convinced Hamas terrorists that she would give them money and smuggle them out, while she gathered critical intelligence and passed it to the Israel Defense Forces. Watch Nasreen's heartfelt remarks from the stage.
Zvi Reder
AJC honored Zvi Reder, a medic with Magen David Adom, and his wife Dorit, a nurse, who treated wounded civilians that fateful October morning. Tragically, their son, Dor z”l, was killed by Hamas terrorists at Kibbutz Be’eri while they were saving the lives of wounded Israelis.
