Dr. Chaim Katman, a 32-year-old Israeli-American academic and peace activist, has dedicated years of his life to protecting the rights of Palestinians and promoting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists murdered him in a coffin in Kibbutz Hulit, near the Gaza border. When Hamas invaded his kibbutz, Katsman sought refuge with his neighbor, Avital Alajem, inside a closet in fortified houses. Around 1:30 p.m., terrorists broke into the house and opened fire. Katsman positioned himself between the gunmen and Abital, absorbed the bullets and saved her life. "He was murdered. I was saved because he was near the door and they shot him," Avital later recalled.

Dr. Chaim Katman, a 32-year-old Israeli-American academic and peace activist, has dedicated years of his life to protecting the rights of Palestinians and promoting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists murdered him in a coffin in Kibbutz Hulit, near the Gaza border. When Hamas invaded his kibbutz, Katsman sought refuge with his neighbor, Avital Alajem, inside a closet in fortified houses. Around 1:30 p.m., terrorists broke into the house and opened fire. Katsman positioned himself between the gunmen and Abital, absorbed the bullets and saved her life. "He was murdered. I was saved because he was near the door and they shot him," Avital later recalled.