On the morning of October 7th, millions of Israelis and Jews around the world were united by a single, haunting question: Are my loved ones safe? The fear and uncertainty of not knowing where family and friends were in those moments was unimaginable. Group chats were flooded with frantic messages, as people desperately tried to reach each other while simultaneously running to and from shelters. It felt like something out of a movie. The added challenge of time zone differences with loved ones in Canada only intensified the chaos and confusion. No one wanted to believe that it could happen to their loved one or family member.  

This is the unfortunate nightmare that Jacqui Vital had to face. Jacqui, who was born in Ottawa, Canada, was visiting family in Canada when the attacks occurred. Not only was her daughter Adi in Kibbutz Holit with her family, her husband Yaron was also staying at a guest house there for the holiday. That morning, Adi was at home with her two sons when terrorists entered the Kibbutz. No one knows for sure what happened when terrorists entered her home, but one thing is for certain, she died a hero. Adi managed to kill one terrorist and did whatever she could to protect her children. Hamas terrorists took her two children and for whatever reason they chose to release them and not keep them as hostages. Since Yaron was in a guest house, terrorists did not have on record that there were people inside.  

It took 3 days for Jacqui and Yaron to learn the fate of their beloved Adi.

With 35,000 Canadians living in Israel and approximately 400,000 Jews living in Canada, the news of Adi Vital-Kaploun sent shockwaves to the community. Jacqui and Yaron are speaking to groups in Canada and in Israel to raise awareness and to keep the memory of Adi in our hearts. The story of Adi for Canadian Jews has brought us together and gave a real connection to October 7th. Members of Friends of JNF Canada had the opportunity to meet Jacqui and Yaron and hear their story. This is just one of the many reasons why Friends of JNF Canada have decided to raise funds for the Renovation and Fortification of Holit. This is our way of standing by the Vital-Kaploun family and being there for our Canadian family. For information on how you can contribute, please contact your local office.