The Next October Initiative
In Memory of Tal Bartik Klein
In memory of our close friend, Tal Bartik Klein, this initiative reflects her zest for life and her unwavering belief that “everything goes wrong – for the better.”
In Memory of Tal Bartik Klein
Tal Tatiana Bartik Klein was a devoted mother of four, a loving friend, and a source of light and strength to everyone who knew her. Born and raised in Be’er Sheva, Tal built a life filled with love, resilience, and community. She was a passionate volleyball player and an active member of the local Mamanet league, where her dedication and joyful spirit inspired her teammates and friends.
On October 7, 2023, Tal’s life was tragically cut short during the Hamas terror attack at the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im. While trying to escape the chaos and violence, she was murdered in a brutal act of hatred. She was only 48 years old.
Tal was known for her kindness, her boundless energy, and her ability to bring people together. She was described by those who loved her as an “אמא לביאה” – a lioness of a mother – fiercely protective of her children and devoted to their happiness and well-being. Her loss left a profound void in her family and community, but her spirit continues to guide and inspire.
In her memory, the Next October Initiative was founded to transform grief into action, building a future where compassion and hope triumph over hatred and violence. This initiative seeks to create opportunities for healing, innovation, and growth, reflecting the values Tal embodied throughout her life.
Tal’s story is a reminder of the fragility of life and the power of love. Though she is no longer physically with us, her light continues to shine through her children, her community, and the work being done in her name to ensure that the horrors of October 7 will never be repeated.
Personal Message from Her Daughter, Adar
“Everything goes wrong for the better” – that’s what she always used to say.
And with her, it really was true.
My mom taught me to see the light even when things felt dark, to stay positive and optimistic, and to understand that not everything has to go according to plan — and that you can still laugh, love, and find joy along the way.
She always went with the flow, even when things got complicated.
Once, on a trip up north, our whole family was swept away by the current in a stream.
Another time, I completely forgot my brother’s suitcase before an overseas flight. Instead of getting upset, she just laughed and said, “Whatever happens was probably meant to happen.”
She had this incredible gift for turning embarrassments into adventures and mistakes into beautiful memories.
When we traveled together to Turkey, I was only 17.
But she’d wander between the bars, introducing me as 18 so I could order drinks for us – she didn’t want to drink alone.
And on Saturdays – breakfast was sacred.
She would wake us all up on purpose, even if we didn’t want to get out of bed.
It mattered to her that we’d be together.
Burekas (savory pastries), a full table, a warm home.
We ate sushi together, we tanned in the garden, and we laughed endlessly.
She was killed at the Nova festival, on October 7.
Since then, nothing has truly fallen into place – but I keep believing, like she did, that one day – maybe – everything will go wrong for the better.
Personal Message from Marina
Tal Tatiana Bartik Klein was the daughter of Leonid and Svetlana and the mother of four.
She lived in Be’er Sheva and worked at ICL, managing the logistics department—at times, even overseeing two of them.
She was also an active volleyball player in the ICL Mother’s League.
But these are just the dry facts…
The most important fact is that Tal loved life and embraced every moment of it.
She was passionate about sports, music, and dancing. She loved being surrounded by friends.
But above all, no matter what, her children always came first.
When I lost contact with her on October 7th, for a long time, I was sure she was hiding somewhere—that she had just lost her phone—because I knew she would do everything possible to make it home to her kids.
She also had a vivid imagination and loved writing, though she never considered it “her
thing.” We had even planned to write a book together one day—she would write, and I
would sketch…
On October 7th, 2023, she was at the Nova Music Festival with her friends, enjoying the music.
That morning, she was murdered by Hamas terrorists.
She was only 48.
