Chen Ben Avi

Chen was born and raised in Mivtahim, a moshav in the Gaza Envelope, to Oshrit and Moshe. She was the eldest sister to Noam, Yael, and Shai.

She was named after her grandmother Chana, and so deeply resembled her—with her kind heart, boundless generosity, compassion, and warmth.

Chen studied at the regional high school “Nofei HaBesor.”

She was known for her joy for life, her infectious laughter, and the countless friends who were always around her. She loved parties, dancing, and traveling—both in Israel and abroad.

In the last two years of her life, Chen had a deep and loving relationship with Naor—a love that held the promise of a long and shared future.

On Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 5:00 a.m., Chen went with her friends Shir Yaron and Dan Damari to the Nova music festival near Re’im. Shortly after they arrived, the rocket sirens began. They left the party area, gathering their friends Dudi Turgeman and Dor Nahum along the way. At around 7:15 a.m., they reached the Mivtahim junction—just a minute from home. There, all five were murdered by vile terrorists.

Chen—the lively, beautiful girl with big blue eyes and a constant smile—was only 22 years and two weeks old when she was killed.

Her absence leaves an immense void.