In 2009, Nikolai Bauman, a 97-year-old Hungarian-born Jew and French citizen, passed away. With his death, it became apparent that in the last years of his life, Bauman, a childless widower, decided to bequeath all his fortune to the benefit of the State of Israel. In his will, Bauman directed that from his estate, estimated at 13 million euros, a foundation for assistance and support to bereaved families be established, and in 2019, the foundation was indeed established. Now, the bereaved families, led by the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization, together with the General Executor, are coming together to express their gratitude and inaugurate a new overnight camping site in Sataf named after Bauman.
At the ceremony, the family of Lotfi Nassraldin, who was killed while fighting in Oferet Yetzuka, will participate. Nassaraldin's daughter Assol, will also participate at the ceremony and will perform a song in his memory. Lotfi enlisted in the IDF in 1989 and was one of the first Druze to join the Navy. During his long years of service, he served in various roles in different fields and successfully faced many challenges. At the end of his service in the Navy, Lotfi transferred to the Artillery Corps and then to the Combat Engineering Corps. After completing his regular service, he continued in the standing army and, after eight years of service, joined the "Golani" Brigade, which became his second home and where he went through several courses and training.
On December 27, 2008, the IDF launched Operation Oferet Yetuka, aimed at striking Hamas' government, reducing the firing towards southern communities, and improving long-term security reality along the Gaza Strip. Two days after the start of the operation, on December 29, 2008, Lotfi fell in battle. He was hit by mortar shells fired from Palestinian territory towards the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council and exploded at an IDF base near the Az Stream, where he was stationed.
Lotfi, at the age of thirty-eight, was the first soldier killed in Operation Oferet Yetuzka. When news of his death reached Dalit El Carmel, grief enveloped the town. Thousands from all over the country accompanied Lotfi on his final journey to the military cemetery in Usfiya. Lotfi left behind a wife, a daughter, parents, two sisters, and two brothers.
Yitzhak Mofasik, Manager of the Abandoned Property Department at KKL - JNF, said, "Nikolai Bauman truly loved Israel, and it is our duty to perpetuate the memory of the man who, in the simplest way possible, donated all of himself to Israel, specifically for the benefit of bereaved families. As someone who has closely accompanied the establishment of the foundation, I am proud and moved by this occasion"
Advocate Elisheva Kandi-Ansbacker, a member of the KKL Directorate, said, "Nikola Bauman was a Holocaust survivor who lived in France and truly loved the State of Israel. He dedicated his legacy for the benefit of bereaved families and victims of hostile acts. We were privileged to honor and perpetuate his memory by establishing the Ya'ar Overnight Camping Site, which connects his Zionist activities with the educational heritage for future generations. I am proud and excited to participate in the ceremony in his memory. The Foundation established in Israel is active and will always work to remember and commemorate those who acted and continue to fulfill the Zionist endeavor."
Advocate Benzi Figelson, the General Guardian: "As the General Guardian, entrusted with fulfilling the wishes of the deceased, I strive to fulfill the final wish of the late Mr. Nikola Bauman and assist bereaved families to the best of my ability. It is a moral duty and a mission to stand by the grieving family, to support and help them rebuild with dignity and a sense of obligation to the fallen."
Eli Ben Shem, Chairman of the Yad Labanim organization and the father of IDF officer Kobi Ben Shem (may he rest in peace), who fell in the helicopter disaster, stated: "Bereavement transcends societal divisions and connects all parts of Israeli society. The decision of Nikola Bauman, a French resident unrelated to the bereaved family, to dedicate his wealth to support bereaved families holds great symbolic meaning. Thanks to Nikola Bauman's immense generosity, we can provide support and assistance to bereaved families in various areas such as scholarships for bereaved parents and siblings, housing adjustments for adult bereaved parents and siblings, funding for bar mitzvah celebrations for bereaved siblings, and more. This assistance, even if modest, eases the heavy burden that these families carry every day."
Aryeh Mo'allem, Deputy Director and Head of the Commemoration and Heritage Department in the Ministry of Defense, stated, "Nikola Bauman, may he rest in peace, expresses our moral and ethical obligation as a society and a nation towards the fallen in Israel's conflicts and the bereaved families. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and high esteem to the General Guardian and the KKL personnel for their dedicated efforts in maximizing the impact of these generous contributions."