LOVE, CONNECTION, AND GOOD DEEDS: THE STORY OF THE KUTZ FAMILY, Z"L
The unique story of the Western Negev is interwoven with the stories of the families who chose to settle in the southern region near the Gaza Strip. These are the stories of Livnat and Aviv Kutz, Z"L, along with their three beloved children—Rotem, 18, Z"L; Yonatan, 16, Z"L; and Yiftach, 14, Z"L. Their memory brings light to the silent Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
A family full of laughter, hope, activity, craftsmanship, and community—each in their own world—brought light to the family and fabric of community life, creating a quality center of living for Kfar Aza and the surrounding communities. Despite the routine of rocket fire and the relentless attacks on Kibbutz Kfar Aza, the Kutz family, Z"L, remained steadfast in their hope and commitment to peace until the morning of Saturday, October 7. That morning, the five family members awoke to the horrors of a murderous and horrific attack by Hamas militants. The acts of atrocity and murder reached the Kutz home and claimed the lives of the five, who were found embracing each other on a bed in the bomb shelter in the home they had built just four years earlier in the kibbutz, where Aviv had grown up.
IN THEIR FINAL FAMILY HUG, THEY COMMAND US TO TELL THE STORY OF THEIR LIVES AND CONTINUE THEIR LEGACY:
Aviv
A spiritual man and a dedicated worker and family man, he was a warm, loving, and caring father. A soul who walked among humanity and sought to make the world a better place. Aviv worked as the Vice President of the Semiconductor Division at AVIV, and in his spare time, he engaged in creation and craftsmanship. He welded, created stunning sculptures, and took sensitive and talented photographs. He initiated and established the annual 'Kite Festival' in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where he brought the entire community together for a special day of flying kites as a symbol of hope and peace. The 'Kite Festival' was scheduled to take place on Saturday, Simchat Torah, October 7, 2023. Unfortunately, it never took place due to the brutal terror attack.
Yonatan
An outstanding basketball player on the Hapoel Tel Aviv youth team, he studied at the Kfar Hayarok boarding school to pursue his dream of playing professionally on the leading teams in Israel and around the world. His character was marked by endless sensitivity, and his contagious laughter and boundless joy filled those around him with happiness.
Rotem
The firstborn daughter of the Kutz family, she served as a drill sergeant at the IDF training base (BHD 7). Rotem cared for toddlers and children with dedication and love in Kfar Aza’s educational frameworks. In her creative way, she sewed, baked, and dreamed of traveling around the world.
Yiftach
The youngest of the Kutz family children, he had just started his journey with the Hapoel Tel Aviv youth basketball team in September 2023, and aspired to follow in his brother’s footsteps to the Kfar Hayarok boarding school. A smart and shy boy with a constant smile on his face, he brought joy to everyone around him in his modest way.
Livnat
A mother, wife, friend, and partner in the dreams of many from all around Israel and the world, she was blessed with an intuitive and extraordinary ability to sense the needs of those around her and take creative action for the greater good.
Until nine years before October 7th, she worked at her dream job as a graphic designer at Intel. During Operation Protective Edge in 2014, her family was evacuated, forced to leave their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, and temporarily relocate to Afula. Her children had been without any educational framework for over a month.
Following the operation, she took it upon herself to manage all aspects of early childhood education for the community. In her new role, she discovered the power of creation and craftsmanship in alleviating the distress and trauma children carried within. The children built rockets and tanks at woodworking tables and expressed emotions like fear, distress, and anxiety through working with mud.
Since the operation ended, Livnat has faced numerous challenges in returning to routine, including coping with anxiety attacks. With the strong support of her family and community, she overcame these obstacles and turned her dream into action—building a haven: a space that would offer children an hour of craftwork during the school day, based on ancient and simple skills like sewing, embroidery, pottery, and woodworking—‘BeitMelacha.’
Over the years, Livnat’s ‘BeitMelacha’ has become a space where people can breathe through working hands, especially in areas where emergency routines shape daily life. Encounters between children, youth, and adults through craftwork have created a space for exploration that provides a safe haven and outlet for self-expression to anyone who seeks it.
Created by: Ariela Alosh
This website was created in memory of the beloved Kutz family, of blessed memory (Z"L), so that we may continue their legacy and honor the spirit and kindness they brought into the world.