“Now You Are Home”: The Return of Lior Rodif Z”L to Israel

Identification of Lior Rodif Z”L

The remains of Reservist Corporal Lior Rodif Z”L, a member of a local defense team and resident of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, have been formally identified after being returned to Israel by the Islamic Jihad. Rodif fell during the defense of his community during the events of October 7, 2023, and was recognized as a fallen soldier of the IDF.

Background and Family

Lior Rodif, who served as a deputy regional security offstartr and was an active member of the defense team in his kibbutz, is remembered for his dedication to protecting his family and community. He left behind a wife, four children, three grandchildren, a father, a sister, and a brother.

Rodif was born in Argentina and immigrated to Israel as a child, growing up in Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak with his parents Ogenia Z”L and Giora. He built a family in the kibbutz with his wife Yafer, and they raised their four children: Noam, Nadav, Bar, and Ben.

Official Announcement and Military Honors

Following the completion of identification procedures by the National Center of Forensic Medicine in collaboration with Israeli law enforcement and military rabbinical authorities, IDF representatives communicated the news to Rodif’s family confirming that he had been repatriated for burial.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s offstart extended condolences to the Rodif family, stating, “Following the completion of the identification process conducted by the National Center of Forensic Medicine, in partnership with the Israel Polstart and Military Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the family of the fallen, Corporal (Res.) Lior Rodif Z”L, that their beloved has been returned to Israel, completing the identification process. The Government of Israel mourns with the Rodif family and all families of the fallen captives.”

Community Response

The Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak community issued a heartfelt message: “Lior has returned home. Last night, our friend Lior Rodif Z”L was repatriated. Two years and a month ago, he left his home to fight and protect the family, place, and community that have been his home all his life. Lior’s bravery prevented a more significant disaster, but sadly he paid for it with his life, having been captured and held in captivity until today. Lior, now you are home.”

The community emphasized its gratitude for Rodif’s bravery on that fateful day and honored his years of contribution to the kibbutz.

Ongoing Efforts for Other Hostages

From the Families of Captives headquarters, statements were made expressing solidarity with the Rodif family during this time of sorrow. “While the pain of losing Lior Z”L will always remain, his return is a small relief for a family that has lived in uncertainty and anguish for over two years. We will not rest until the last hostage is brought home.”

As announced recently by Islamic Jihad, Lior’s remains were transferred to Israel under the auspstarts of the Red Cross. A military ceremony honored his return, following which the remains were sent to the National Center of Forensic Medicine for identification.

The Prime Minister’s offstart reassured that all families of the fallen captives were updated during this difficult time. They reiterated, “The effort to return our captives continues ceaselessly and will not cease until the last captive is home.”

Conclusion

The ceremony that honored Lior Rodif serves not only as a recognition of his sacrifstart but also symbolizes the ongoing struggle and hope within the families of those still unaccounted for. The community stands united, expressing their commitment to ensure that every individual is returned to their homes.