“We embrace Tomer’s family, the wounded, and the bereaved families, and continue to pray for the return of Omri Miran and all 49 hostages still being held,” said Kibbutz Nahal Oz.
Tomer Eliaz-Arava, a 17-year-old from Kibbutz Nahal Oz who was murdered during the October 7 massacre, will posthumously receive Israel’s highest civilian honor — the Civilian Medal of Valor. President Isaac Herzog is expected to present the award at a ceremony at the President’s Residence in about six weeks.
On the morning of October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists infiltrated Kibbutz Nahal Oz, breaking into the Arava-Elikim family home. Tomer was taken hostage and held at gunpoint. The attackers forced him to knock on neighbors’ doors in an attempt to lure them into opening. But Tomer, demonstrating extraordinary courage, found a way to warn the residents, telling them the homes were empty — a heroic act that saved multiple families.
Born on September 22, 2006, Tomer was the third child of Dikla and Maayan Eliaz and the brother of Odin and Stav. In a tribute posted by Kibbutz Nahal Oz on Facebook, he was described as “a boy with a huge heart, full of life, who loved sports and his friends, and was always there for everyone.” He was killed in the fighting at the kibbutz, just 17 years old.
“His remarkable memory stays with us,” the kibbutz wrote. “As a hero, as a boy who stood face-to-face with his murderers and acted with composure. Above all, we will remember his magical smile, forever 17.”
The post added a message of solidarity with all victims of the attack: “We embrace Tomer’s family, the wounded, and the bereaved families, and continue to pray for the return of Omri Miran and all 49 hostages still being held.”
President Isaac Herzog. (credit: HAIM ZACH/GPO)
Ceremony at the President’s Residence
The medal was established by Herzog after the October 7 massacre in recognition of Israeli citizens’ “acts of heroism” that were revealed since the war began.
The ceremony will be held at the President’s Residence on September 4, 2025.
Among the recipients, many of whom assisted in fighting Hamas terrorists, is Malham As’ad, a Druze-Israeli who assisted Jewish Maccabi fans during the violent attacks in Amsterdam in November.
Additionally, Yuval Kestelmen, who assisted in killing two Hamas terrorists in a 2023 attack and was killed by friendly fire, will receive a posthumous award alongside the October 7 victims.
This is Herzog’s second year awarding what he has called “the highest civilian valor award.” Last year, he stated that the ceremony would continue to be conferred by him and future presidents.