Eighty-five-year-old Aryeh Zalmanovich, also known as Zalman, is one of the founding fathers of Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he came as a young adult through the Hashomer Hatzair youth group. Together with his late wife Ruth, he created and raised a beautiful family: Zalman is the father of two sons and the loving grandfather of five grandchildren.

By definition, Zalman is a ‘man of the land’, who specializes in growing wheat, as well as potatoes and peanuts, in the Negev. 

Like a true Sabra, Zalman is often cynical and can become a bit prickly at times. But this is only on the outside. Once you scratch the surface, you will find a kind, tender, sensitive and loving man who constantly gives to others. In recent years, as his physical ability began to decline, Zalman has insisted on sticking to his daily routine. He wakes up early every morning, puts on his navy-blue work clothes and rides his electric mobility scooter to his office. 

On Saturday, October 7, 2023, in the midst of the Hamas attack on the Kibbutz, Zalman spoke with his family at 9:30 a.m. That was his last communication. 

Zalman’s two sons, Boaz and Yoav, and the entire extended family are waiting and hoping for his swift and safe return.