Yoni Rapoport, 41, was one of the 12 victims of the Hamas Oct. 7 atrocities that sparked the ongoing war in Gaza. He was a UK-Israeli dual citizen who lived in London with his wife and two children. He was also a passionate gardener and a soccer fan who supported Arsenal.
A life cut short by terror
Rapoport was visiting Israel for a family wedding when he was caught in the crossfire of the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7. He was at a cafe in Tel Aviv with his cousin when a rocket hit the building, killing both of them instantly. His wife and children, who were supposed to join him later, were left devastated by the news.
Rapoport’s family and friends described him as a kind, generous, and loving person who always had a smile on his face. He was devoted to his wife, whom he met in Israel, and his two children, aged 9 and 6. He was also a proud Jew and a Zionist who cared deeply about Israel and its security.
A passion for gardening and soccer
Rapoport was a professional gardener who ran his own business in London. He had a green thumb and a creative flair that he used to transform gardens into beautiful spaces. He also taught gardening classes and volunteered at a local school to help children learn about plants and nature.
Rapoport was also an avid soccer fan who followed Arsenal, his favorite team, religiously. He often attended matches with his friends and family, and cheered for the Gunners with enthusiasm. He also played soccer with his children and coached their teams. He dreamed of taking them to Israel to watch the national team play.
A legacy of love and hope
Rapoport’s family and friends are determined to honor his memory and keep his spirit alive. They have set up a fund to support his wife and children, and to donate to causes that he cared about, such as gardening, soccer, and Israel. They have also planted a tree in his name at the Jewish National Fund’s forest in Israel, and plan to visit it when they can.
Rapoport’s family and friends hope that his story will inspire others to live with joy and gratitude, and to pursue their passions. They also hope that his death will not be in vain, and that peace will prevail in the region. They believe that Rapoport would want them to carry on with courage and optimism, and to never give up on their dreams.
