Body of Abducted Officer Major Tal Haimi Identified and Returned to Israel for Burial

Two years after his abduction to Gaza on October 7, the IDF confirms the identification of the late Nir Yitzhak defense squad commander, who fell in battle defending his community.

The Prime Minister’s Office announced on Tuesday night that the body of Major Tal Haimi, who was abducted to Gaza during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, has been identified.
The identification process was completed by the National Center for Forensic Medicine, in cooperation with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate.

IDF: Haimi Fell Defending Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak

According to an official statement from the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, Major Haimi — commander of the Nir Yitzhak readiness squad — fell in battle defending the kibbutz on the morning of October 7.
His body was subsequently abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza.

“According to the information and intelligence available to us, Major Tal Haimi, the late commander of the Nir Yitzhak readiness squad, fell in battle defending the kibbutz on the morning of October 7, and his body was abducted by the Hamas terrorist organization,” the statement read.

Major Haimi, aged 41 at the time of his death, was recognized as an IDF fallen soldier on December 13, 2023.
He is survived by his wife Ella, four children, a father, and a sister.

Family and Community in Mourning

In a joint statement, the Families’ Headquarters for the Return of the Abductees and the Nir Yitzhak Kibbutz Spokesperson’s Office expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the family.

“The Nir Yitzhak community and the families of the abductees and returnees are currently embracing the Haimi family, whose dear Tal, z”l, was returned to Israel tonight for a proper burial,” the statement said.
“Alongside the sadness and the understanding that the heart will never be whole, the return of Tal, z”l, is a kind of balm for a family that has lived in uncertainty and tormenting doubt for over two years. We will not rest or be silent until the last of the abductees is returned.”

A Beloved Member of Nir Yitzhak

In a further statement, the Families’ Headquarters described Major Haimi as a devoted husband, father, and a pillar of his community.

“Tal Haimi, z”l, was a third generation of the founders of Nir Yitzhak and a fourth generation of its residents,” the statement read.
“He was the son of Zohar and the late Esti, brother to Laor, married to Ella, and father of four children — one of whom he will never get to know.”

A mechanical engineer by profession, Haimi was known for his love of the outdoors and for his practical ingenuity.
He enjoyed camping and nature trips with his family and was described as “an avid fan of tools who always knew how to find a solution to any problem.”

Fell in Battle and Abducted to Gaza

On the morning of October 7, Major Haimi joined members of the Nir Yitzhak alert squad in defending the kibbutz against dozens of Hamas terrorists.

He and his comrades fought for many hours with exceptional courage, holding the line at the kibbutz gate.

During the battle, Haimi was killed and his body was taken into Gaza.
At first, his family believed he was alive, but two months later they received confirmation that he had been killed before being kidnapped.

The announcement of Haimi’s identification brings partial closure to a family and community that has endured two years of uncertainty and anguish.

His return to Israel for burial is being described by relatives and friends as a “small measure of peace” amid ongoing grief.

The Families’ Headquarters reaffirmed its ongoing mission:

“We will not rest or be silent until every last abductee and fallen hero is brought home.”