Eliko Raichenstein, 75: Papier-mache artist with ‘passion, enthusiasm’
Murdered by Hamas terrorists in his home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7
Eliyahu “Eliko” Raichenstein, 75, from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, was murdered by Hamas terrorists who overran the kibbutz on October 7.
He was shot dead inside his home, while his wife managed to survive hidden in their reinforced room for 30 hours until she was rescued.
He was buried on October 18 in Kiryat Tivon. He is survived by his wife, Hanita, their four children, Micha’el, Sagi, Ya’ara and Yael, several grandchildren and his sister, Dassi.
Eliko was known around the kibbutz for his impressive papier-mache artworks, never missing an opportunity to ride his bike, even in his 70s, and for tending with love and dedication to his garden and its produce.
His friend, Debbie Shafrir-Keret, wrote on Facebook of their long friendship, going all the way back to the 9th grade.
“There was always a pleasant and honest connection between us,” she said, noting that while they lost touch at one point, they reconnected in recent years and would take trips and do activities together with their spouses. “You invested so much in your kibbutz garden, and in every visit, we walked its paths with you, and saw your pride in it the way a father is proud of his children.”
“You started creating papier-mache and you immediately reached a level of incredible art,” she added. “You knew how to enter your period of retirement with great interest. You were a straightforward and honest person, kind, a true friend, knowledgeable, a nonstop athlete. I will miss you so much.”
Eliko’s daughter-in-law, Rivi, wrote on Facebook that he was “a gifted artist, talented and an extraordinary creator, you sculpted incredible sculptures.”
“When I would ask you about your artistic path, you loved to share and would answer questions about your decisions, the colors, the unique twists in every sculpture, which really fascinated me,” she added. “You moved me in particular when you made just for me a beautiful zebra sculpture, in black and white as I love, with your colorful twist of red lips… I already miss you, I know that you loved me in your way, as I did you.”
Marking a month since he was killed, his daughter, Yael, shared on Facebook, “I want to write, but the words don’t connect, there are so many words, you are so much.”
“Your smile melts my heart. My comfort is that you knew so well how to live life, with passion, with enthusiasm, sometimes really like a child,” she added. “A huge light, the huge and good soul that you are.”
