Elhanan Kalmanson died a hero on Oct. 7 while helping to save 100 lives and will forever be remembered as a person who put the safety of others over his own needs.
On Sunday, Aug. 11, at the Weinstein JCC, more than 100 community members learned how 100 Kibbutz Be’eri survivors owe their lives to the “Elhanan Team.”
The “Elhanan Team” – (center) Menachem; (left) brother, Elhanan (OBM); and nephew, Itiel.
At the special program, Menachem Kalmanson shared the heartbreaking story on how his brother, Elhanan (OBM) and nephew, Itiel, responded within hours after they learned of the savage attacked by terrorists on the Kibbutz.
Menachem said he was at home with his wife and six children when he found out the Kibbutz was under attack but could not find out details. He called Elhanan to see if his military expertise was needed because his brother was in the Israel Defense Forces.
“He answered me … please come quickly,” he explained.
The three drove over 60 miles from Otniel, a small Religious Zionist community in Judea and Samaria, to the kibbutz close to the Gaza border that was under attack – in the hopes of rescuing whoever they possibly could.
For about 18 hours, he shared how the three went home-to-home, trying to evacuate people still hiding in their safe rooms after Hamas terrorists attacked. The kibbutz was still under attack and homes were on fire, and they were met with heavy fire from Hamas terrorists.
Many in their safe rooms initially would not open their doors believing they were terrorists three convinced them that they were Israeli’s there to help them.
During one of skirmishes with terrorists, Elhanan was severely wounded and died in his brother’s arms. Menachem also was wounded.
Community members gave Menachem two standing ovations at the conclusion of his remarks for his bravery and the courage of the “Elhanan Team.”
A number of community members spoke to Menachem after the program offering their thanks and condolences for the loss of his brother including Rabbi Dovid Asher (below)
Menachem said it’s hard to relive those memories every time he shares what happened, especially because he lost his brother during it.
“Deep belief in the life and in our mission, those are the most things that give me the most strength. This and my family,” he said.
He noted that support from people around the world helps him keep moving forward.
For their acts of bravery, the late Elhanan Kalmanson and survivors Menachem Kalmanson and Itiel Zohar were awarded the Israel Prize for Civic Heroism.
