Lecturers

Itzik Gvili

Itzik Gvili is the father of the late Rani Gvili, a brave fighter in the Negev Yasam special police unit who rushed out on the morning of October 7 to defend the communities near the Gaza border. A loving and devoted father, Itzik found himself facing the most painful helplessness of all when his son went into battle that morning and did not return. For a long time afterward, the family searched anxiously for any lead, until the bitter news arrived that Rani had fallen in a heroic battle at Kibbutz Alumim and that his body had been taken to Gaza. Since the tragedy, Itzik has chosen to devote his time and energy to commemorating Rani's legacy and bringing his story of heroism to every part of Israeli society. He has become a sought-after speaker in Israel and abroad, speaking openly about the immense pain alongside the endless pride in his heroic son. Through his personal story, Itzik strengthens the spirit of the nation and spreads the values of camaraderie, devotion and love of the homeland.

Topics

October 7
Personal Story
Resilience

Languages

English
Hebrew

Lectures:

The First to Go Out, the Last to Return

Itzik Gvili's lecture is a human, moving journey full of love, a father telling the story of his son Rani, from the day he was born to that terrible day that changed the family's life forever. The lecture traces the milestones of his life, his special personality, the values he absorbed, the spirit he led with and the big heart that defined him along the way. It is a deeply moving encounter that naturally connects a personal story with the Israeli national story, and highlights the power of the human spirit. Itzik moves between immense pain and great pride, between a living, vivid memory and a presence that simply cannot be forgotten. In the lecture, Itzik commemorates Rani not only through the events of October 7, but through the person he was, the son, the brother, the fighter and the hero. The story inspires everyone who hears it and leaves a deep mark on the meaning of self-sacrifice.