Amit Magnezi, 22: Wrestler who hoped for a musical career

Amit Magnezi, 22, from Ness Ziona, was murdered by Hamas terrorists at the Supernova music festival on October 7.

When the rocket fire began, Amit told his family and friends that everything was OK and he was safe. After he realized that terrorists had arrived at the festival grounds, Amit said he was hiding and couldn’t talk.

His connection with his family was cut off at 9:21 a.m. Two days later, his family was informed that he had been killed and his body identified.

Amit was buried in Ness Ziona on October 9. He is survived by his parents, Anat and Haim, and his siblings Noy, Aviv and Agam.

Born in Rishon Lezion, the third child in the family, Amit moved to Ness Ziona as a baby and was raised there, attending schools in the city, focusing on theater studies, according to a state eulogy.

At age 13, Amit began to train as a wrestler, something he later pursued professionally. After his release from his mandatory army service — during which he served a fitness instructor — Amit flew to Germany for a monthlong wrestling training camp.

Upon his return, he got a job as a manager at a clothing store. At age 19, he was exposed to the world of music festivals and trance music, falling in love and learning music production, dreaming of one day performing on stages around the world.

Lidor Bushary, who trained Amit in wrestling for many years, wrote on Facebook that “Amit was a shining star in the Israeli wrestling scene, always displaying his remarkable skills and sportsmanship. But more than that, he was a beacon of free love and positivity, bringing smiles to all who crossed his path… His bright smile and warm spirit will forever be etched in our hearts.”

Amit’s mother, Anat, wrote on Facebook that “too many days have passed since I heard your voice, since I heard your laughter, since I saw your smile that everyone talks about, and it’s been too long since I smelled your scent.”

“My Amiti, the days are so hard, my heart is shattered and bleeding, but I always hear you tell me, ‘My Mamaleh, you’re strong, you’re a warrior mother.'” wrote Anat. “Yes Amiti, I am a warrior, I’m strong, but I also break sometimes, but I promise you that I’ll keep being strong for your brother and sisters, for the whole family, for your friends but mostly for you, my love. We won’t fall, with all the pain, we’ll stand strong and smile your smile, and continue dancing your dance.”

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