Israeli entrepreneur reaches Mount Everest peak, dedicates journey to Nova massacre victim

Mountaineer Ran Kraus reached the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, this past week, after months of training and a grueling six-week climb.

“I dedicate this exciting moment to my late friend Matan Mordechai Lior, who was murdered cruelly at the Nova party,” said Kraus.

Lior was murdered at the Supernova music festival while trying to help others escape. As a well-known figure in Israel’s music scene, Lior provided the amplification system, electrical infrastructure, and lighting for the festival. He remained on  site announcing directions towards emergency exits even as the terrorists were carrying out their murderous rampage, until he was eventually killed.

Kraus became the 11th Israeli to reach the summit at 8,849 meters. He was accompanied by eight others from around the world. Some 6,000 individuals have reached the peak of Mount Everest.

Kraus, a hi-tech entrepreneur, set out for Nepal at the beginning of April. He is the president and co-founder at Airobotics, a world leader in automated drones, according to his LinkedIn site.

Preparations for the climb 

The preparations for the climb included physical and mental preparation and fueling his body with the correct nutrients.

For eight weeks, Kraus climbed a series of peaks in Israel, including Mount Hermon.

“It was a long and challenging journey unlike any other climb I’ve done in my life. After six challenging weeks, I succeeded in fulfilling the goal, the objective, and the dream, and standing on the highest peak in the world,” Kraus said in a statement.

He added, “I dedicate this exciting moment to my late friend Matan Mordechai Lior, who was brutally murdered...while bravely assisting many others and saving many lives. My personal victory is another victory for the human spirit and the Israeli spirit. I thank Geely and Harel as sponsors, and everyone who accompanied me during the past two years of preparation.”

After 12 years of work in hi-tech, Kraus decided in 2020 to embark on a journey to conquer the seven highest peaks on each continent. Kraus climbed the peaks of Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Russia, and Aconcagua in Argentina, before aiming for Everest.