Ofir Libstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ofir Libstein
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Libstein in 2022
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| Head of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council | |
| In office 2018 – 7 October 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Alon Schuster |
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| Born | 1973 Eilat, Israel |
| Died | 7 October 2023 (aged 49–50) |
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Ofir Libstein (Hebrew: אופיר ליבשטיין) was an Israeli politician. He was born in 1973 and sadly passed away on October 7, 2023. From 2018 until his death, he served as the head of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council. Libstein was killed during an attack in his community, Kfar Aza, which was part of the events that led to the 2023 Israel–Hamas war.
About Ofir Libstein
Ofir Libstein was born in Eilat, a city in Israel. When he was four, his family moved back to Kfar Netter. Later, he made his home in Kfar Aza. He studied at the WIZO Canada Children's Village. During his time in the IDF, he worked as a medic. He was also involved in setting up online shopping websites. For most of his life, Libstein lived in a Kibbutz, which is a special type of community in Israel.
In 2007, Ofir and his wife started the Darom Adom festival. This popular festival, which means "Red South," celebrates the beautiful red flowers that bloom in the early spring.
Libstein also became the head of the Kibbutzim Industrial Union in 2017. His goal was to bring more technology companies to kibbutzim. He also served as a chairman for Habonim Dror, a youth movement.
Leading the Regional Council
In 2018, Ofir Libstein was elected to lead the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council. This role is similar to being a mayor for a group of communities. He was elected for a ten-year term.
As the head of the council, Libstein was responsible for about 6,000 people. These people lived in 10 kibbutzim and one communal farm. During his time in office, his region faced challenges. Rockets from Gaza were often stopped by the Iron Dome defense system. Also, fire-starting devices sent from Gaza sometimes landed in his area.
Despite these challenges, Libstein worked hard to improve his region. During his five years as leader, 40 companies moved to a new business area in the council. He also had a big plan to create a new industrial zone called Arazim. This zone, near the Erez crossing, would allow up to 10,000 people from Gaza to work in Israel every day. Arazim would also offer training, education, and medical care to Gazans. Libstein believed that if Gazans had a stake in Arazim, they would not want to attack it.
His Family and Passing
Ofir Libstein was married to Vered, and they had four children together.
On October 7, 2023, Ofir Libstein was killed by militants during an attack on his community, Kfar Aza. He was a member of his community's local security team. His 19-year-old son, Nitzan, was also killed in the attack. Nitzan was missing for 12 days before his body was found.
The Mayor of San Diego, Todd Gloria, shared his sadness about Libstein's death. San Diego is a sister city with Sha'ar Hanegev. Former mayor Kevin Faulconer and police chief Shelley Zimmerman also said that Libstein "was a wonderful man."
Remembering Ofir
Many people have honored Ofir Libstein's memory.
During the Israeli invasion of Gaza, Israeli soldiers found tunnels used by Hamas. The team leader of these troops, who was Libstein's nephew, dedicated the destruction of these tunnels to Ofir Libstein.
In November 2023, the Israeli government announced that a new community would be built in the Negev desert. This community will be named Ofir, in honor of Libstein. This decision was made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On December 18, 2023, the Habonim Dror movement started the Or Ofir Foundation. Ofir Libstein had been chairman of this movement. The foundation will continue Libstein's work in building strong communities and developing leaders. Former acting Israeli Prime Minister Tzipi Livni is one of the people on the foundation's board.
