ZIV
BERMAN
Ziv Berman, 26, was born and raised in Kfar Azza Kibbutz into a warm and loving family. He is the twin brother of Gali Berman, who was also abducted from the "Dor Tsair" neighborhood on October 7th.
Ziv and Gali are inseparable brothers, known as the "Twin Power" by their family because they do everything together, radiating happiness, love, and laughter. Always sporting a smile, they are also extremely sociable and beloved, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Ziv and Gali are also the heart of their age group's team in the kibbutz called "Ashel," and each of them contributes significantly.
They are known for their passion for soccer, both playing for the Kfar Azza Kibbutz football team called the "Foxes of Kfar Azza." Ziv plays as a defensive midfielder for the team, demonstrating intelligence and elegance that few players possess, making him a crucial player. Gali plays as a defender for the team, displaying excellent form and giving his all on the field for his teammates and the team's emblem. Gali is also a vital player for the team.
Ziv and Gali are passionate supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel, and they never miss a game they can attend. They are also dedicated fans of Liverpool FC from the English Premier League, ensuring they never miss a match.
They also love to travel. Recently, they explored Costa Rica with their friends and attended "Tomorrowland," the world's largest music and arts festival.
Ziv and Gali are patriotic individuals who love Israel, Kfar Azza Kibbutz, their kibbutz community, their friends, and of course, their family. They always enjoyed playing with their beloved younger siblings and showing them all the good the world has to offer.
Their parents, Talia and Doron, have four children: Liran (36), Ido (32), who also lives in Kibbutz Kfar Azza, and the twins, Ziv and Gali. They are a very close-knit and united family who always support and help each other.
Their father, Doron, who was ill, always had Ziv and Gali by his side to help and support him.
All four Berman brothers have a shared tattoo of a bear to always remember that they are "Bear-men."
A close friend of Ziv says, "Ziv is the kind of person you need in your life, an amazing guy, kind-hearted, and warm. He has an infectious joy for life and a laughter that's impossible to ignore."
Ziv and Gali worked at the "Syncopa 2002" lighting and sound company located in Kibbutz Kfar Aza to save up for their dream trip to Australia. Their grandfather, Gadi Sobol, affectionately said, "Gali works, and Ziv supervises the work."
Their manager at Syncopa 2002 said, "At work, Ziv and Gali are always at the center of attention. They are the life of the party, always making everyone happy, smiling, and making everyone's day better." He also added, "They are hardworking and good-natured boys."
"Gali excels in what he does at work; he always encourages everyone. He always pushes Ziv forward and encourages him until Ziv makes his leap," he added. "They are definitely a team and good people."
Shalom Michaelshweili, a comedian and actor, became a close friend of Ziv and Gali through their work together in many performances. He says, "Everyone here believes they are the closest people to Ziv and Gali because that's the kind of people they are; Ziv and Gali make everyone feel special and unique."
On the morning of October 7th, Hamas terrorists initiated the largest terror attack in Israel's history. The attack began with rocket and missile attacks into Israeli territory, and in addition, thousands of Hamas militants infiltrated the southern region of Israel through the Gaza border fence, spreading into the kibbutzim, including Kibbutz Kfar Azza.
Hundreds of terrorists entered Kibbutz Kfar Aza from the early hours of the morning. 62 members of the Kfar Azza community were murdered, and another 19 community members, including Ziv and Gali, were abducted from the "Dor Tza'ir", (young generation) neighborhood.
Ziv and Gali, who woke up to continuous sirens of red alert, which they were accustomed to due to the usual rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, realized that something unusual was happening in the area that morning.
On the same Saturday, the Berman family received a message from Ziv, stating that he was in his apartment and smelled smoke. This was, in fact, his last communication with the family. At the same time, he also wrote in the "Dor Tza'ir" group chat that he could hear terrorists inside his apartment and smelled smoke.
For 11 days, which felt like an eternity, the Berman family had no idea about Ziv's fate. Only on the 12th day did the family receive a message indicating that he was likely abducted to the Gaza Strip from his home.
In addition to Ziv Berman, his twin brother Gali Berman was also abducted, along with Emily Tehila Damari and Doron Steinbrecher, from the "Dor Tza'ir" neighborhood.
The sudden disappearance of Ziv has left an empty space in the hearts of his family and friends who knew him.
His family, friends, and the Kfar Azza community are in uncertainty and distress, relying on the hope that he will return home safe and sound as soon as possible.
Each member of Ziv's family contributes everything they can to the difficult struggle to bring him back home as soon as possible. His mother, Talia, his older brothers Liran and Idan, and his beloved aunt, Mekabit, make a tremendous effort day and night to bring their beloved Ziv home.
Ziv and Gali's aunt shares, "I hope the leaders of our country understand the magnitude of their responsibility to bring our loved ones back home safely, just as they were abducted from their beds in the morning. It is the duty of the State of Israel to rescue them from the ongoing nightmare they are currently experiencing." Mekavet hopes that Israel will be creative and take responsibility, taking steps to release all the abducted individuals. She adds, "They may be men, but they are vulnerable, and I hope all the remaining abductees, both men and women, will return to the country healthy and whole."
Mekabit also sends a message to Ziv and Gali, "If you hear us, I want you to know that Mom, Dad, Ido, and Liran are alive. We believe you are alive, and we are doing everything we can to rescue you from there. Stay strong; we love you."
Talia Berman writes, "Just a little longer, my beloved sons, and this nightmare will be over. You will come back to me, and I will give you the tightest hug that you will never forget. This is our life's mission. Every hour, every minute throughout the day and night is dedicated to you, my beloved sons."
While their family and friends wait for their return, the spirit and light of Ziv and Gali remain as a guiding light, inspiring everyone who knows them to believe in the power of unity and the hope for joyful reunification. With the hope that they are together, protected by their famous and inherent "Twin Power."
