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About Adi

Adi Shani was born in Kiriat Ono in 1984 to Tova and Moshe Shani, joining his older brother Eran and sisters Keren and Tammy.

As a child, Adi was incredibly curious and mischievous. He loved to explore everything and to try out every idea that popped into his head (just like Zeke, the mischievous tree). There was never a dull moment when Adi was around. 

His parents always worried when they came home, fearing for what “damage” they would find in the house. They affectionately gave Adi the nickname “Nezek” which is like saying (“Trouble”). 
One day, the family came home to find wet paper-towel "omelets" stuck to the ceiling.  Another time, a pair of jeans was jammed into the toilet. Adi wanted to see if he could make it flush. On yet another occasion, they found the television on the floor—pulled down by Adi using a toilet plunger which was still attached to the TV. 
He once broke his arm climbing onto the roof of the abandoned "Oron" cinema with a friend, as the roof collapsed beneath their feet. 

The principal of the Elementary School, where Adi studied, frequently called his parents to discuss his escapades. One time, Adi, feeling sorry for the school’s petting-zoo animals, decided with his friend Elyusha to set them free. On another occasion, the two snuck into the school office and started a bonfire. Thankfully, they managed to extinguish the flames in time! To this day, no one knows the true purpose of their "scientific experiment." But the truth is, Adi was so sweet, with his angelic face, that even the school principal couldn’t stay mad at him.

Adi grew up, served in the IDF in the Artillery Corps, opened a coffee shop and eventually his mischievous adventures got channeled into the cooking for those he loved and a career in wealth management. 

Adi married Lior, the love of his life and together they had three wonderful daughters: Gaia, Yuval, and Tomer.

He loved cooking and taking care of people around him. He channeled his experimentation skills into the kitchen and his career in wealth management. Adi loved long distance running and hiking with family. He was an avid Maccabi Tel-Aviv fan. Fitness and eating well became a big part of his adult life and of course spending time with family and friends.
On October 7, 2023, during the Iron Swords War, Adi was called to serve in Gaza as a reservist to protect the daughters he loved more than life itself, his family and the children of Israel.

On December 6, Adi’s post was attacked by terrorists in the early hours of the morning and Adi was killed.
We miss him deeply and always will.

Adi left us three precious gifts—his incredible daughters, each of whom carries a part of him. Yuval, who is skilled in sports and dance. Gaia who is talented in writing and cooking and little Tomer, full of mischief and tricks, always making us laugh and reminding us of Adi.

He was known for his humility, endless giving and thoughtfulness. He would sit quietly on the sideline, observing and figuring out how he could take care of people. 

This last picture was taken a day before he died when he spent the morning making omelette for his buddies 

Anyone who met him fell in love with his kind nature immediately and deeply. 
Foundations
To help us support orphans and widows from military families please consider making a donation below.
IDFs Widows & Orphans
 
One Family Together
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Amitsim
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Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund, INC.
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Fallen Patriots: College For Their Children
Adi’s Memorial Gardens
Adi's Memorial Community Garden in Herzliya and Adi's Playground and Observatory in Tzur Yizhak are dedicated spaces created in loving memory of Sergeant Major Adi Shani, offering beauty, play, exploration, and reflection for all to enjoy. These spaces honor Adi’s spirit, fostering nature, connection, joy, and inspiration within the community.

Thank you to the City of Herzliya, the City of Tzur Yitzhak, to the office of Nati Ziv architects https://www.natiziv.co.il/, and all the individuals who helped with the building of the gardens.

PDF Plans.
Press
© 2024 by Keren Shani-Lifrak

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