It wasn't supposed to be this way.

During the High Holidays, with the arrival of the new year, Lior and Liav were looking forward to an exciting and special year. Lior was enjoying his work so much and dreamed of all the projects he would undertake. Lior and Liav were both eagerly awaiting the birth of their new daughter, a sister for their beloved Tal, and their move to the new home they were building in Eden Hills...But then October 7th came, and everything changed.

Lior the engineer became Lior the military man, Lior of Am Yisrael, the commander of the first tank that entered Be’eri at 7:00 Sunday morning and helped defeat the terrorists there. Later on in the war, during operations deep in Gaza, Lior's tank spotted a terrorist targeting another tank. Lior in his usual way worked instinctively. He calmly and precisely maneuvered his tank to protect the second tank, while at the same time exposing himself to the terrorists. He succeeded in saving the second tank, but at the cost of his own life.

But for us, before Lior was a IDF officer and a heroic fighter - he was a husband, a father, a son, a brother and a friend. He was an incredible person with a magnetic personality and a big smile. He was able to find joy, happiness and silliness in every situation. He was a friend who was supposed to be with us always. The friend that you always went to see and cheer for at the big basketball game because he was the best player on the court. The friend who managed to drag you to play pickup basketball games on Saturday night, and the one who got everyone jumping on the dance floor.

Eden Hills – Givot Eden – is a new community located in the Valley of Elah. It is a mixed community, a blend of the religious and non-religious, of new immigrants and veteran Israelis. A community whose goal is to consolidate, unite and bring Israeli society closer together.

Lior and his wife Liav bought a house in Eden Hills, a house that was being built and that was supposed to be ready for them to move into at the end of 2023. Lior had already purchased the plot, planned the house, and dreamed of his children playing in the neighborhood. But Lior will not get to raise his son Tal, and will not know his daughter, who was born this week. He will not live with us in Eden Hills, but we very much want his spirit to be there with us.

Lior loved the simple things in life – nature, friends & sports. He really liked sports. Especially basketball. In order to continue Lior’s wonderful path, we want to commemorate his memory in the newly-established community of Eden Hills in a way that will benefit everyone. Lior dreamed of building a sports center in Eden Hills - and we will do everything to turn his dream into a reality for all of us. To build a center where it will be possible to find the sport that suits you, to aspire, to dream. A place where you leave your worries behind and come out a little happier. As with Lior - we envision such a home that everyone who comes to it will immediately feel like they belong.

We are working with the local regional council to approve our plans, and we are developing a budget and fundraising in order to reach our goal. Help us to increase light, to increase Lior's light. Donations of any size, big or small, are welcomed and very much appreciated.

To ensure that the funds reach us, please add in the comments that the donation is in memory of Lior Sivan.

May Hashem avenge his blood. Lior, we will never forget you.
May we be worthy of your sacrifice. We will miss you forever.