Rabbi Elchanan Danino Releases Memoir Honoring His Son Ori
Rabbi Elchanan Danino's book *Ouri* tells the story of his son, Ori Danino, who saved hostages on October 7 and spent 330 days protecting fellow captives in Rafah before being executed by Hamas.
Rabbi Elchanan Danino presents the book Ouri, chronicling the extraordinary life and final days of his son, Ori Danino, who was murdered in Hamas captivity after 330 days underground in Rafah.
The Turning Point on Route 232
On the morning of October 7, 2023, Ori Danino was driving south on Route 232 toward his paratrooper base. Noticing the unfolding disaster, he turned his car around to rescue civilians fleeing the Nova festival. He successfully rescued Maya Regev, Itai Regev, and Omer Shem-Tov, placing them in his vehicle before being ambushed by Hamas terrorists. Ori stepped out of the car to draw fire away from the hostages, ultimately saving their lives at that critical moment while being abducted into Gaza.
Days in the Rafah Tunnels
Held underground in Rafah for 330 days, Ori emerged as a beacon of humanity, protecting fellow captives, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alex Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, Carmel Gat, and Eden Yerushalmi. Eyewitness accounts from survivors reveal that Ori consistently put others before himself, tending to the wounded, sharing meager rations, and maintaining human dignity in impossible conditions.
Tragedy and Legacy
In late August 2024, as IDF forces approached, Hamas terrorists executed Ori and five other hostages at close range. Through Ouri, Rabbi Elchanan Danino immortalizes his son's sacrifice, urging Israeli society to find unity in the light, mirroring the profound solidarity forged by the six hostages in the darkness of the tunnels.
