Major (res.) Harel Birenstock, 34, was laid to rest Thursday at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem after he was killed in action in southern Lebanon. Birenstock, who fell alongside combat medic Sergeant (res.) Tamir Vaknin, is survived by his wife, Elia, their four children, his parents, and siblings.
Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral, where singer Ilanit performed "Lalechet Shvi Acharayich." Family members remembered Birenstock as a devoted husband and father, a respected commander, and a man whose boundless energy and optimism touched everyone around him.
His mother recalled their final meeting just days before he returned to reserve duty. She described how he surprised his grandparents with a visit before heading north, sharing breakfast and embracing his family one last time. "My beautiful son, my sweet one, whom I love so much," she said through tears. "I can't believe this is what happened to us."
She said she had learned to place her trust in God after years of watching her son serve in combat, adding that he often told her, "In the end everyone dies. And if we're going to die, then at least like this." She remembered him as someone who combined deep responsibility with an infectious love of life. "Whenever you heard music, you started dancing and pulled everyone with you. That's how we will remember you-, ull of life, love, and light."
His father spoke of his pride in his son's achievements, describing him as someone who constantly pushed himself to excel. "I loved you so much, and I was so proud of the way you lived," he said. "You were full of life, full of joy, and never gave up."
Recalling happier days, he remembered leading his son to the wedding canopy a decade ago and a family vacation in Tuscany just two weeks before his death. "We were all together and felt so fortunate," he said. "Now we are leading you here. It's impossible to accept that parents bury their children."
He also praised his daughter-in-law, Elia, for standing beside Harel throughout his military service and for building a loving home with him. Concluding his eulogy, he expressed hope that despite the family's grief, they would remain strong. "No one can overcome us."
His sister remembered her eldest brother as the person she admired most, recalling his determination, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to those under his command. She said the two had grown especially close over the past year after living only minutes apart. She recounted their final conversation before he entered Lebanon, during which he spoke in detail about the challenges facing his soldiers. "You never gave up on any soldier. You believed that only by taking care of every one of them could they all come home safely."
Addressing Elia directly, she pledged the family's lifelong support. "You are an inseparable part of the Birenstock family," she said. "We will stand beside you and the children always. Harel, wake me up from this nightmare. Thank you for 32 wonderful years filled with joy. I promise to be strong for Mom, Dad, Elia, the children, and all of us. I love you, and I already miss you."
Prime Minister Netanyahu sent his condolences to the family: “Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I mourn the fall of Maj. (Res.) Harel Birenstock and Master Sgt. (Res.) Tamir Vaknin, of blessed memory, who fell in battle in southern Lebanon."
"Harel and Tamir were among our finest sons, courageous fighters who reported for reserve duty and fought heroically to defend the residents of the north and the State of Israel."
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost what is most precious to them, and we wish a complete recovery to our fighters who were wounded in that same incident. May the memory of our heroes be blessed and enshrined in the heart of the nation."
