Amidst Chaos
Impact Stories:
A Father’s Heartbreak and Resilience in the Face of Tragedy

January 14, 2025
Ofer Baram's Poignant Journey
10,000
People Received Aid
In One Day
Ofer Baram dedicated his life to aiding terror victims through The Jewish Agency for Israel's Fund for Victims of Terror (FVOT). Ofer served as the director of FVOT in the south for 12 years and was often the first person to reach those families in distress. He ran among rocket-stricken areas, gathered information and delivered lifesaving financial aid.
On October 7, Hamas terrorists infiltrated K’far Aza, the kibbutz where Ofer lived with his family. His son Aviv, 33, tragically lost his life that day. Aviv stood alongside friends in a fierce battle defending their home and community. He confronted the assailants with unflinching bravery and despite being shot and wounded in the legs, his courage never wavered. Determined to protect his friends, Aviv continued to fight and refused to leave anyone behind. For days, amidst the chaos, he was considered missing and feared kidnapped. Five days after the attack, though, the devastating news of Aviv’s death was confirmed.
Following his tragic loss, Ofer and many other friends and family members got smiley face tattoos, sometimes accompanied by “Aviv Sheli” (Hebrew for “My Aviv"), to commemorate Aviv, who was always smiling and who left a mark on everyone he met. The gesture became a collective symbol of remembrance and love, as more than 100 people joined Ofer in getting similar tattoos.
The devastating loss put Ofer and his family on the receiving end of the same support that Ofer had long provided to others. An emergency financial grant from FVOT, which can be used for whatever the family needs, was critical in helping Ofer’s family address immediate fiscal burdens amid their mourning. The grant will continue to support Ofer’s family for the next three years, toward critical emotional and psychological support to help navigate the overwhelming array of emotions they are experiencing after their loss. Unfortunately, Ofer is not alone; the escalation has resulted in an immediate surge in FVOT’s aid recipients, which went from roughly 9,000 over 21 years to 10,000 in just one day.
"Less than 48 hours after the tragedy, [they] supported us, making me realize we are never alone in our grief." - Ofer Baram
Because of donations from supporters like you, Jewish Federations of North America, the parent organization of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, has significantly contributed to FVOT to ensure that families and individuals who are affected by terror and violence receive immediate assistance. This support has been crucial in providing immediate and ongoing care to enable individuals and families to recover from trauma and to rebuild their lives. In Ofer's case, this aid has brought solace in the aftermath of an irreplaceable loss.
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