Hayim Katsman facts for kids

Hayim Katsman (born October 3, 1991 – died October 7, 2023) was an American-Israeli who worked for peace and was also a university teacher. He was sadly killed during an attack in a place called Holit, Israel, on October 7, 2023.

Hayim Katsman's Life Story

Early Life and Community Spirit

Hayim Katsman was born in Israel on October 3, 1991. His parents had moved to Israel from New York City a year before he was born. His mother was from Cincinnati, and his father was from Seattle. Hayim's grandparents on his mother's side were both Holocaust survivors.

Hayim lived in a city called Petah Tikva. After finishing his required service in the Israeli army, he decided to move to a special community called kibbutz Holit. He wanted to help "bring new life" to this community. He first worked as a car mechanic, then became a gardener for the kibbutz. Later, he even opened a small bar there.

Education and Learning

Hayim was very dedicated to learning. He studied philosophy and political science at the Open University. After that, he earned a master’s degree in politics from Ben-Gurion University. While there, he led the union for part-time teachers.

He then moved to Seattle in the United States to study for his PhD (a very advanced degree) in international studies at the University of Washington. In Washington, he taught Hebrew at a local synagogue. He also helped lead a research group at the university that focused on Israel and Palestine.

When the COVID-19 pandemic started, Hayim returned to Holit. He finished his degree from there, studying online. In 2020, he won a special award called the Baruch Kimmerling prize for the best graduate paper. He graduated in 2021. His main research was about a topic called religious Zionism in Israel.

Working for Peace and Justice

Hayim Katsman strongly believed in peace. He was against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, and he chose not to visit Israeli settlements in that area. He was part of several groups that worked for peace and human rights.

He was involved with Machsom Watch, a group that observes checkpoints. He also helped a group that organized "protective presence" shifts. This meant volunteers would spend time with Palestinian communities in the Hebron Hills to offer support. Hayim also shared his experiences with an organization called Breaking the Silence. He volunteered in a town called Rahat as well.

At the time of his death, Hayim was teaching philosophy, politics, and Israeli society. His academic work focused on understanding religious Zionist communities.

Hayim Katsman's Death

The Attack on Holit

Hayim Katsman was in the kibbutz of Holit when it was attacked by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023. He and his neighbor were hiding together in a closet in his home. When they were found, Hayim bravely shielded his neighbor with his own body. Because of his actions, she survived.

His neighbor was then taken by Hamas militants to Gaza. However, her captors later left her. She was able to return to Holit, bringing with her a four-month-old baby and a four-year-old child.

Hayim was 32 years old when he died. He was buried on October 12 in Petah Tikva, at the Yarkon Cemetery.

Hayim's friends and family have shared that Hayim would not have wanted his death to be used as a reason to continue the 2023 Israel-Hamas war.

See also

• Casualties of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war