‘I never knew my father’: Avichai Ayubi on loss, Israel’s orphaned generation, and moving forward

The Jerusalem Post features the poignant story of Avichai Ayubi, a son who never knew his father, Efraim, murdered by terrorists near Hebron over three decades ago. Avichai's narrative offers a deeply personal perspective on loss and legacy, particularly relevant as Israel approaches Remembrance Day.

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I used to be an outlier, but now, with this war, there are so many children who never knew their fathers.

Efraim Ayubi's journey from Iran to Israel, his dedication to religious Zionism, and his service to Rabbi Haim Druckman highlight the profound connection many immigrants feel to the Land of Israel. His commitment, even requiring early starts to his workday to accommodate Rabbi Druckman's schedule, speaks volumes about his devotion.

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He did it because he deeply loved the values the Rabbi stood for: how important the Land of Israel and the People of Israel were.

Avichai's mother's strength in raising five children alone after Efraim's tragic death is a testament to resilience. Her decision to name him Efraim Avichai but call him solely Avichai—"You need to be your own life"—is a powerful message of hope and forward-looking determination, a sentiment that resonates deeply within Israeli society, which has faced immense loss.

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That is how she learned that her husband, her love, the father of her children, the man she dreamed of a life with, had been killed. She was pregnant.

This story, while personal, touches upon the broader experience of Israelis who have lost loved ones to terrorism. It speaks to the enduring spirit of a nation that, despite profound grief, continues to build, grow, and create new lives, honoring the sacrifices of the past by living fully in the present. The Jerusalem Post is committed to sharing these vital human stories that form the fabric of Israeli life.

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You don't need to be your father’s tombstone. You need to be your own life.