Liat Beinin Atzili, a dual Israeli-American citizen, is an educator with expertise in various domains and an authority on Indian culture, and contributes her knowledge as a guide at “Yad Vashem.”
On the morning of Saturday, October 7th Liat was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from her residence in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Their home was burned to ashes.
Aviv Atzili, her husband, had ventured out early to join the security response effort when Hamas terrorists infiltrated their kibbutz. The following day, Aviv's mobile phone was traced to Gaza, indicating his abduction.
Aviv, who managed the kibbutz's agricultural machinery garage and pursued art, creating distinctive metalworks,has shared his life and creativity with the kibbutz community. Telma Atzili, Aviv’s 78-year-old mother and a resident of Nir Oz, endured the attack by hiding in the safe room under a bed for 10 hours, and was luckily saved. Telma was later caring for her three grandchildren, Aviv and Liat’s children, during Liat's captivity.
Liat's ordeal in Hamas captivity concluded 54 days later, on November 29th, upon her release through a temporary cease-fire agreement.
The joy of her return was overshadowed by the somber announcement from the kibbutz on November 30th, that 49-year-old Aviv Atzili, Liat’s beloved husband, had been murdered.