Offner recounts: “In the midst of Simchat Torah, I was called to a military base in the south. I had no idea what dangers awaited on the roads at that hour, nor could I have imagined the scale of the tragedy. Thank G-d, we were able to bring closure to many families, and through our efforts, they were able to lay their loved ones to rest.”

After intense days of work at Kibbutz Kisufim, Offner entered the home of the Zeke family to identify the remnants of the horror. In this home, parents and a child had been murdered. Overcome by the sights, smells, and emotions of the scene, he couldn’t hold back. With no prior intention, he began drawing on the soot-covered wall. The image that emerged was of two soldiers protecting a child—an expression that flowed from his heart in that moment.

Though the soldiers in his drawing couldn’t save the victims, this raw and spontaneous painting captured a powerful sentiment. Offner didn’t sign his name, and the work was left behind, almost as if it were a fleeting act of catharsis.

A surprising turn of events followed. When the Yad Ben Zvi institute, responsible for preserving Israel’s history, discovered the painting, they were eager to learn more about its origins. They tracked down Offner and informed him that they wished to preserve the painting for future generations—perhaps in a museum dedicated to the events of October 7th.

Offner was taken aback: “I never imagined that a spontaneous sketch on a soot-covered wall would become something to preserve. It was just an emotional release in the moment.” Experts from the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and Yad Ben Zvi were consulted on how to conserve the piece. Before the house was demolished, the wall was carefully removed and transported by crane to be preserved in state archives.

In addition to this unexpected recognition, Offner’s work is now being showcased at the Hamiklat gallery, hosted by the Jerusalem Municipality. The exhibition features a selection of Offner’s paintings, offering a glimpse into the artist’s unique perspective. The gallery is located at 7 Yehuda Maccabi Street, Jerusalem.

The ArtShelterGallery at a solo exhibition is curated by Dr. Noa Lea Cohn.