From Hostage House to Promotion Ceremony: Rachel Adri’s Son Elevated to Superintendent at the Family Home in Ofakim

Evyatar Adri, the son of Rachel Adri, was unexpectedly promoted yesterday (Sunday) to the rank of superintendent at a special ceremony held at his family’s home in Ofakim — the same house that became one of the defining symbols of courage and civilian resilience during the October 7 attack.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Southern District Commander ניצב חיים בובליל, and Deputy Commander of the Southern District, תנ"צ אפי שימן. For the Adri family, officers of the Southern District, and the residents of Ofakim, it was a moment charged with meaning — one that marked a sense of closure in the very place where one of the hardest and most complex episodes of that *Shabbat* unfolded.

During the terror attack on October 7, Rachel and David Adri were held hostage for long hours in their home after terrorists broke in. The two were eventually rescued by *Yamam* fighters, and the incident became one of the stories most closely identified with the battles that took place in Ofakim that day.

While his parents were trapped inside their home, Evyatar Adri was serving as an officer at the Sderot station. When the attack began, he went out to fight, and during the battle he learned that terrorists had taken over his parents’ home and that they were being held hostage. Since then, he has continued his service in the police, and today serves as a fitness officer in the Southern District and as a firearms and combat instructor. In that role, he is involved in training district police officers and strengthening their operational readiness, out of a commitment to public safety and the preparedness of the forces.

Deputy Commander Efi Shiman, who stepped into his role as commander of the Negev region on the morning of October 7 in the midst of the fighting in the city, closely commanded the forces working to stop the terrorists and save residents’ lives.

Speaking at the ceremony, he referred to the events that unfolded around the Adri family home: "On the morning of October 7, the city of Ofakim became the scene of difficult and complex fighting. Around the Adri family home, police officers and fighters operated under fire and in impossible conditions, showing courage, determination, and dedication to the mission, with the goal of stopping the terrorists and saving lives. Today, in that same place, we stand with Evyatar and the Adri family in a moment of pride and emotion, and salute the bravery of the police officers and their commitment to continue protecting the residents of the South.".

Southern District Commander ניצב חיים בובליל emphasized the symbolic significance of holding the ceremony specifically at the family home: "Presenting Evyatar with this rank דווקא here, at the Adri family home, is a moment that expresses the strength of spirit of police families, the residents of Ofakim, and the entire Southern District. Evyatar represents a generation of police officers and commanders who acted, and continue to act, out of a sense of mission and courage. This is a moment of pride for the family and for the Southern District.".