Matan Ekstein

Matan was born on March 21, 2000, in Even Yehuda, the youngest of four children in the Ekstein family. Raised by his parents, Miri and Erez, on values of love and care for others, he grew up deeply connected to his community and was active in the scouts. He was also very close to his extended family and loved traveling the world, especially pursuing his greatest passion: surfing.

Strong body, strong character
From a young age, Matan was deeply involved in sports. From youth football in Netanya to surfing and CrossFit, he lived an active life and inspired others to push their limits and challenge themselves.

Surfing and the ocean were central to Matan's life. After discovering surfing at age 12 in Sri Lanka, he began lessons at Poleg Beach and later became an instructor. He saw surfing as a way of life—helping him find focus, manage stress, and start each day with purpose. As an instructor, he inspired hundreds of children and traveled with friends and family to surf destinations around the world.

Matan was always perceived as a genuine, warm and optimistic person. Wherever he went, people would follow him and enjoy his company. He would encourage people to live their life to the fullest, and was a loyal friend that could be relied on.

On October 7, 2023, Matan and his friends were at the Nova Music Festival in Re'im when the attack began. After helping others escape and taking shelter, Matan left the shelter with his friend Sela to protect those inside; Sela was critically injured and Matan was killed. Their friends Ilay Nachman and Adir Mesika were also killed while trying to defend others. In their memory, the families founded the AIM nonprofit, using surfing as therapy for post-traumatic communities, and Matan's legacy of courage, compassion, and humility lives on through memorials and acts of healing.