“We embraced Tomer’s family, injured and lost families and continued to pray for Omri Miran’s return and all 49 hostages are still present,” said Kibbutz Nahal Oz.
Tomer Eliaz-Arava, a 17-year-old from Kibbutz Nahal Oz, was murdered during the October 7 massacre and will be awarded Israel’s highest civilian honor – the heroic civilian medal after his death. President Isaac Herzog is expected to present the award at a ceremony at the president’s residence in about six weeks.
On the morning of October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists infiltrated Kibbutz Nahal Oz and broke into the Arava-Elikim family home. Tomer was taken hostage and caught at the gun. The attacker forced him to knock on the neighbor’s door to lure them to open. But Tomer showed extraordinary courage and found a way to warn residents of the house to tell them that the house was empty, a heroic act that saved multiple families.
Tomer was born on September 22, 2006, the third child of Dikla and Maayan Eliaz and the brother of Odin and Stav. In a tribute posted by Kibbutz Nahal Oz on Facebook, he was described as “a boy with a huge heart, full of life, who loves sports and his friends, and always serves everyone.” He was killed in the battle of Kibbutz, who was only 17 years old.
“His amazing memories remain on us,” Kibbutz wrote. “As a hero, as a boy, he faces the murderer and shows it with a calm attitude. Most importantly, we will remember his magical smile, forever 17.”
The post added a message of solidarity to all victims of the attack: “We embraced Tommo’s family, the injured and the families of the dead and continued praying for Omri Miran’s return and all 49 hostages that are still ongoing.”
President Isaac Herzog. (Credit: Haim Zach/GPO)
Ceremony held at the President’s residence
The medal was established after the October 7 Holocaust to honor the “heroic acts” of Israeli citizens, which has been revealed since the war began.
The ceremony will be held at the President’s residence on September 4, 2025.
Among the recipients, many of whom assisted in fighting Hamas terrorists, was Malham As’ad of Germany and Israel, who assisted Jewish Maccabi fans in a violent attack in Amsterdam in November.
In addition, Yuval Kestelmen, who helped kill two Hamas terrorists in a 2023 attack and was killed by friendly fires, will receive a death penalty along with the victims on October 7.
This is Herzog’s second year, awarding what he calls the “highest civilian award.” Last year, he said the ceremony will continue to be awarded by him and the future president.
