Idan Shtivi, 28: Student of sustainability and amateur photographer

Idan Shtivi, 28, from Ganei Tikva, was murdered on October 7 while trying to flee the Supernova music festival, and his body taken captive to Gaza. His remains were recovered by IDF troops in August 2025.

Idan, an avid photographer, attended the rave in order to photograph his friend’s workshops at the festival. When the Hamas attack began, he and two friends, Yulia Didenko Lamai and Bar Lior Nakmuli, fled the site of the rave via car.

While trying to flee Hamas gunmen, their car was attacked, and all three were slain by gunfire. Idan’s body was taken captive to Gaza.

His family was only informed in January 2024 that he was considered a hostage, and on October 7, 2024, they were told that Idan had been murdered a year earlier and his body taken to Gaza. At that point the family sat shiva, the weeklong mourning period.

His remains were recovered by Israeli troops operating in Gaza in late August, alongside those of fellow slain hostage Ilan Weiss, and identified several days later.

Idan was buried on September 1, 2025, in Kfar Ma’as. He is survived by his parents, Eli and Dalit, his three siblings, Omri, Hila and Ailene, and his girlfriend, Stav.

Idan loved nature, animals and photography, his loved ones said. He was slated to begin his second year of studies at Reichman University, where he was pursuing a degree in sustainability and government.

His family said he was planning to soon move in with his girlfriend, Stav, and their new puppy, Luka, and wanted to one day work to combat climate change. He loved nature, camping and music, his loved ones said.

“Idan was and will always be my best friend,” his older brother, Omri, told the Haaretz newspaper. “I miss the simple things the most: giving him a hug, sitting on the balcony drinking black coffee, looking at the vista, talking about life and laughing about our silliness.”

At his funeral, his mother, Dalit, said “Idan had a pure heart, he always saw others and cared for the weaker elements of society.”

“He was full of generosity, so sensitive and loving. He was taken from the world at his peak. Idani, you are a child of God,” she added. “I’m sorry I couldn’t watch over you and protect you.”

His father, Eli, said that his son was “strong, powerful, brave. You fought terrorists. You gave your life to save others, even when they shot you in the back. You did not give up, not on the people you tried to save, nor on your destiny. Because what’s more sacred than saving the life of Jews? You chose good, even when facing total evil.”

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