This morning (Friday), in the military section of Mount Herzl Cemetery in Jerusalem, the funeral was held for Corporal Aviaad Elhanan Volansky, 21, from Jerusalem, who fell yesterday in Lebanon.
The funeral was attended by Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Minister Orit Strook representing the government, former Minister Yoav Galant, Shin Bet chief David Zini, Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram, senior military commanders, and members of the Knesset, including MK Amit Halevi.
His father, Yair Volansky, eulogized through tears: “You wanted to embrace life fully, and your friends came first. At home, we cherished every moment with you. You brought us joy and always made an effort to participate in everything with us. In yeshiva, you forged a strong identity and a deep religious worldview, and you were steadfastly loyal to the state. We were always proud of you.
You went into battle with your head held high, fully aware of the mission you were part of. Just two days ago, you went out for a few hours and called us. You sounded full of faith that you were doing the most important thing for the State of Israel and for the residents of the north."
His grandfather, Rabbi Oded Volansky, eulogized: “When you came into our home on Fridays, with your father or alone, your presence radiated goodness and purity-to both your grandmother and me. During your studies at the Hesder Yeshiva in Itamar, you grew and matured. You were happy to learn Torah from your teachers and proud to wear the IDF uniform, serving as a gunner in the battalion commanded by your father."
Colonel Tzuri Deal, who commanded the 82nd Battalion during the war, eulogized on behalf of the IDF: “You were diligent and responsible in every task you undertook, always caring toward those around you. Your calm demeanor and inner composure made you a figure who inspired trust and confidence. The way you acted reflected the person you truly were."
Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram said: “Aviaad was a true son of the land and a devoted patriot. His deep sense of responsibility, faith, dedication, and camaraderie with his fellow soldiers brought him to the place where he fell in the line of duty. We say goodbye to you, Aviaad, but we will never forget your memory, your path, or your family."
Aviaad served as a combat soldier in the 77th Battalion of the “Sa’ar MiGolan" Brigade (7th Brigade). He was killed by anti-tank fire from Hezbollah militants during operations to neutralize the terrorist threat to northern communities.
He was the son of retired Brigadier General Yair Volansky, Defense System Comptroller, and the grandson of Rabbi Oded Volansky, a senior rabbi of the “Har HaMor" Yeshiva.
His uncle and aunt, Avi and Avital Volansky, were murdered in a terror attack during the Second Intifada while on their way home in Ba’ali, and his cousin Elhanan Klein, of blessed memory, was killed at the start of the war.
