Mor Sved Gabay was born in 1993 and grew up in the city of Netivot. Her mother, Malka, a single parent, raised Mor entirely on her own.
From a young age, Mor was the funniest child in kindergarten and school—everyone was always drawn to her. She radiated joy and kindness, and lived with the deep sense that her role in the world was to make people happy and spread goodness. She was especially close to her grandfather Bechor, of blessed memory—they were true friends and would always find ways to make the family laugh. Mor felt immense pride when her grandfather signed her report cards at the end of each school year.
Everyone who met Mor felt like they were her best friend. She had an extraordinary ability to give attention and dedicate time to every friend and person in her life. As she grew up, she became a charismatic woman who continued to captivate everyone around her with her unique personality. Her circle of friends came from all walks of life, just as her life was diverse and dynamic. She was like a migrating bird—free-spirited, talented, ambitious—setting goals and fulfilling them. Energetic, driven, and unforgettable.
Mor studied at the Bnei Akiva Ulpana and insisted on serving her country twice. During her National Service, she worked with the elderly and in youth education in her hometown. After a year and a half, feeling the need to contribute even more, she enlisted in the IDF for two additional years. She served as a welfare non-commissioned officer (Mashakit Tash) at Havat Hashomer and took great pride in helping soldiers in real need. Her commanders and fellow soldiers recall her personal charm and endless dedication.
After her military service, Mor worked for the Israeli Crossing Authority under the Ministry of Defense, and later studied and co-founded an event production business with her friend Hila.
Mor also loved spending time at home. She was a great cook, loved nature, and raised two dogs—Zoe and Ted—whom she adored.
She had a passion for writing and singing since high school, where she majored in literature. Some of her texts were turned into songs that aired on major Israeli radio stations.
In the last two years of her life, she lived in Kibbutz Nitzana, engaging in various fields simultaneously. In her final six months, Mor returned to live in Netivot with her mother, Malka. They shared a special and powerful bond—one that every mother and daughter would wish for. An immeasurable amount of love, support, and connection—unparalleled and infinite.
On October 6, 2023, Mor met with about 21 of her coworkers from “Milva” for a team gathering at Zikim Beach. She spent her final hours enjoying herself. In the early morning, amid the sound of sirens, she decided to return home. She called her mother, checked in on her dogs, and contacted friends to make sure they were safe. As the sirens continued, Mor stopped at a roadside shelter. She lost her life at the exit from Sderot.
Mor was laid to rest in the Shdot Negev cemetery, near an open green field surrounded by nature and infinite quiet—just as she loved in life.
She left an enormous hole in our hearts, but also great pride and inspiration from the person she was—even in her final moments, fearing for her own life, she still thought of others.
Grief knows no limits. We also remember Mor’s cousin, Bechor, a resident of Shlomit in the Gaza Envelope, who was murdered that same Saturday while joining the emergency response team to protect the residents of Pri Gan.
