Hagit Refaeli Mishkin, RIP, was a volunteer in the Finance Department at Midburn.
Our beloved Hagit was with us during the Midburn City Production Weekend in 2023 and was tragically murdered on October 7th.
Hagit Refaeli Mishkin RIP
1975 - 2023
May her memory be a blessing
Stories about Hagit RIP
Hagit Refaeli-Mishkin (48), from Hod Hasharon, a PhD in Science Education and a mother of three (Noa, 18, Ori, 15, and Ido, 13), was murdered by terrorists while preparing for the Midburn event.
"My mom was the most amazing person I’ve ever known," says her eldest daughter, Noa.
"She always gave of herself.
Whether it was volunteering as a parent with the Scouts or distributing food and clothing to those in need, she did everything with so much love. I never once heard her complain about anything."
Hagit held a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Biotechnology and a PhD in Science Education.
In recent years, she managed a program within the Ministry of Education, helping integrate teachers from the Ethiopian community.
She was also an active member of the Hod Hasharon Women’s Community, dedicated to bridging differences between people, known for her generosity and endless giving.
Noa adds that her mother was also "the coolest mom ever," someone who "loved to dance, hike abroad, and even participated in the ‘Cave Club.’"
Thirty Days After Her Burial
In Memory of Hagit Refaeli Mishkin RIP
We set up a search headquarters to find Hagit together.
She’s a survivor.
She traveled the world, faced dangers head-on.
Did you know that the Refund Department she led started late because she needed to get back from a trip to India?
She lived fully, right in the middle of life—
A mother of three.
The coolest mom in the world.
A PhD in Science Education, who allowed herself to live as much as possible— In the extreme, yet with deep inner stability.
No show-off, without drama, without the pretense of "I'm so free."
She was gentle, with a soft presence.
Ambitious and highly successful, but quietly so.
She didn’t need to be seen or take center stage—
But she was always at the heart of the action.
She never needed the spotlight because she knew she was felt.
When I came to her upset and angry, her eyes were like a calm harbor.
Her energy, a safe haven.
Her body absorbed all my frustrations, grounding me.
If anyone could keep herself grounded in the madness of that terrible day, it would be her.
She probably found a cave or hiding spot—this wilderness girl.
From what we could tell, her phone's trail suggested she managed to navigate herself out of the chaos. She always knew how to guide us.
We joked that maybe she was sleeping under a tree somewhere, because her constant calm allowed her to sleep anywhere. For her, the world was a home, and nature was her bed.
So, we set up a search headquarters to find Hagit together.
Only those who felt like her closest friends were involved.
Dozens of people came together.
She had so many social circles, gathered over the years and kept close.
It didn’t matter who you were—your background, beliefs, or lifestyle—
Everyone was captivated by her charm,
Feeling her meet them at eye level, no matter who they were.
She connected with people deeply, like branching arteries spreading across regions, forming a remarkable network.
Layer by layer, her multi-dimensional and rich character was revealed to us,
And we stood in awe at the depth and breadth of who she was.
And there she was, Hagit—the beating heart at the center.
The glue that held people together.
Pulsating with gentle energy, with calm vitality,
Inspiring us all with her immense spirit and zest for life.
We searched for Hagit together.
We divided tasks among us, feeling her presence guiding us in the search headquarters.
Her spirit calmed us, allowing us to commit to the task humbly and gracefully—
Without personal agendas, without ego.
Just "What needs to be done?" and "How can I help?"—
Without expecting thanks or recognition.
But the truth is, I wasn’t really myself during those tense days.
None of us were.
Our hearts burned with hope that wouldn’t fade, even though the sands of time refused to stop.
Hagit fought for justice, and we had to fight too.
It was only right that she would come back to us— To her daughter Noa and her sons Ori and Ido,
To our community and the many friends awaiting her return.
We set up a search headquarters to find Hagit,
And we know that we will keep searching for her, forever.
We will always seek her and remain longing.
We will always remember her and continue living.
And we will try to find joy.
We will feel her presence in the beautiful moments when we do something truly good in the world—
Humbly, with a smile, without needing recognition. With genuine, wholehearted participation.
And we’d like to think that, in those moments, she is right there with us—if only just a little.
A Letter to Hagit
Hi,
I’m Leehee, from the clinic/Medicamp and the production weekend.
I want to share something I wrote to Hagit in December 🙏
Dear Hagit,
We met on October 6th, and I feel so lucky to have had the chance to know you, even if only for a short time.
In the few hours we spent talking, I discovered what an incredible person you are. How brave and inspiring you are in your journeys and choices, and how your curiosity and generosity guide the beautiful and noble path you walk.
It was such a pleasure to talk with you. In that short time, we had deep and meaningful conversations, and we also managed to joke around.
Thank you for the cookies.
Thank you for seeing me.
I already miss you. ❤
Leehee