“We Failed”: IDF Apologizes at Funeral of Fallen Hostage Tal Haimi, Laid to Rest After Two-Year Agony

Tal Haimi, the commander of the emergency response team for Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, was laid to rest on Wednesday evening, two years after he fell defending his home and his body was taken by Hamas terrorists into Gaza. A massive crowd of mourners, including kibbutz residents, former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, and other senior figures, attended the funeral to pay their respects to the fallen hero.

Warrant Officer First Class Tal Haimi fell on October 7, 2023, while leading his community's defense against dozens of terrorists who breached the kibbutz's main gate. He fought alongside his comrades, two of whom, Lior Rudaeff and Oren Goldin (whose body was recovered 11 months ago), were also killed and taken into Gaza. Haimi was initially considered missing for days before being declared deceased and a hostage two months later. He is survived by his wife, Ella, and four children, the youngest of whom was born in May 2024, six months after the attack.

A Wife's Devastating Farewell

In a deeply moving and heartbreaking eulogy, Tal’s wife, Ella, spoke of the intense relief and sorrow of his return.

"Tal, we accompanied you today in a large and moving procession," Ella said. "How much did I plan for this day? How much did I wait for it? This is the end you deserve, Tal. Nothing that happened to you over the past two years matched the man you were. I am happy for us that you are back, and mostly I am happy for you."

Ella described the moment she saw his repatriated body: "You returned to us dressed and whole." She added a final, powerful assurance to her husband: "You can rest, I am here with you, we will not let anyone hurt you."

She then shared a devastating detail about the son Haimi never knew: "You have one child you didn't get to know, but he already knows you very well. I played you a recording of him saying 'Father' and giggling. I look at him and everything becomes more possible. These children are your greatest success. They are so proud of you, but they miss you so much."

Ella concluded: "Tal, I was proud to be your wife, I am proud to be your widow, thank you for 22 years together." She also pledged to return to the kibbutz and implored Israel's leadership: "I turn to our leadership, make things better here, make it safe to live here. After everyone returns, the next war will be about reuniting the nation."

IDF: "We Failed"

The grief was compounded by a rare moment of military accountability. Brigadier General Dvir Adri, representing the IDF, offered a direct apology to the family. "I ask for your forgiveness, the IDF failed," he stated, adding that they would ensure the heroic acts of Haimi and his comrades "will not be in vain."

Haimi, a former paratrooper and a pillar of the kibbutz, was remembered as a quiet but determined leader who was "in the heart of the battle, in the heart of the fire, fighting with courage and determination." The General concluded, "Our mission is not over until all the hostages are returned."

Haimi's sister, Or, also delivered a poignant eulogy: "Tal, two years you were not here but time stopped, because we were only waiting for you. So in fact, nothing is over." She reflected on their bond, the loss of her confidant, and the painful relief of his declaration of death: "In recent days it was hard for me to sleep at night. And a small relief in my heart that your name was still not there. And it was possible to continue waiting a little longer."