Ori Danino, 25: Off-Duty Soldier Saved Friends at Nova

A Hero’s Final Act: The Story of Master Sgt. Ori Danino

Master Sgt. Ori Danino, a 25-year-old signals officer in the Paratroopers Brigade’s 202nd Battalion, was kidnapped during the attack on the Supernova music festival on October 7 and later murdered in captivity. His story is one of bravery, sacrifice, and deep personal conviction.

At the time of the attack, Ori was on a weekend break from the army and had been enjoying the festival with his friend Tomer. They both managed to escape the site as the Hamas attackers began their assault. However, Ori made the fateful decision to return to the festival grounds to save three friends he had met just a day earlier—Maya, Itay Regev, and Omer Shem Tov. Despite warnings from his friends not to go back, Ori chose to act.

He successfully located his friends and together they tried to flee. Unfortunately, they encountered terrorists who opened fire, wounding Ori, Itay, and Maya. All four were taken captive. Maya and Itay were eventually released during a ceasefire in November 2023, while Omer was freed in February 2025.

Ori’s actions left a lasting impact on those who survived. After being rescued, Omer shared his gratitude on social media, describing Ori as someone who “arrived with a bright light and incredible energy” and who later appeared like an angel to save them.

After 11 months in captivity, Ori was murdered by his captors on August 29, 2024, alongside several other hostages. Their bodies were retrieved by the IDF two days later from a tunnel in south Gaza. He was laid to rest on September 1, 2024, on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. Ori is survived by his parents, Elchanan and Einav, his siblings Yitzhak, David, Aharon, and Hodaya, and his girlfriend, Liel.

A Life of Growth and Purpose

Ori was raised in an ultra-Orthodox home in Jerusalem, where he was the oldest of five children. He lived in the capital’s Ramot neighborhood and later in the nearby West Bank settlement of Givat Ze’ev. He attended a yeshiva high school in Afula but ultimately decided to leave the ultra-Orthodox lifestyle. This transition was highlighted in an online eulogy that reflected on his journey.

In August 2018, Ori enlisted in the IDF and served first in the C4I (telecommunications) Corps before moving to the Givati Brigade. He later became a signals officer in the Paratroopers Brigade. His loved ones said he planned to study electrical engineering in the future and enjoyed outdoor activities such as surfing, playing music, and cooking. Coffee was a particular passion for him—he often spent time preparing, discussing, and sipping it.

Ori and his girlfriend, Liel, were planning to look at apartments together after the festival. His mother, Einav, described him as a wonderful boy who always put others before himself. She shared that his commanders saw him as more of an equal than a superior. His father, Elchanan, expressed pride in his son’s selflessness and bravery. He noted that Ori’s instinct was to help others and that he never hesitated when called upon.

Elchanan also emphasized that Ori’s decision to leave observant Judaism did not affect their relationship. He supported his son’s choice to join the IDF, calling it his career and way of serving the Jewish people. He believed that Ori was a person who gave of himself and always prioritized others over himself.

Legacy and Reflection

Ori’s life was marked by his unwavering sense of duty and compassion. His family and friends remember him as someone who saw the value in helping others, even when it meant putting himself in danger. His father, Elchanan, believes that Ori would be smiling from above, knowing that he fulfilled his purpose.

Ori’s story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve and protect. His legacy continues to inspire those who knew him and those who learn about his actions. His life, though cut short, leaves behind a profound impact on all who were touched by his courage and kindness.