Families and friends mourned five of the seven fallen IDF soldiers in emotional funerals held across Israel, as loved ones paid tribute to their courage, character, and sacrifice following the deadly APC explosion in Khan Yunis.
Seven soldiers were killed when a terrorist attached an explosive device to their armored vehicle in Khan Yunis, causing it to explode.
Staff Sergeant Halfon, aged 20, from Petah Tikva, was killed by sniper fire in the southern Gaza Strip.
Staff Sergeant Naveh Leshem from Nokdim, a soldier in the Golani Brigade, fell during combat in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant first class (res.) Noam Shemesh, who fell in battle in Gaza is laid to rest at the military cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem,
Michael Silam, a close friend of Sergeant major Gross, delivered a powerful eulogy at Gross’s funeral, calling for national unity, respect for combat soldiers, and a sober reckoning with those who dodge military service.
Yuval Urbach, widow of Sergeant Yishai Urbach, killed in Gaza just months after his marriage to Yuval, completed a Mishnayot ceremony at Midreshet Nishmat, joined by fellow students and Rabbanit Chana Henkin.
Sigal, mother of Sgt. Tom Rotstein z”l, who was killed in a building collapse near Khan Yunis, recounts her son's dedication to the mission and his dreams for the future.
Lior Raver, father of 19-year-old Staff Sergeant Yoav Raver who fell in Gaza reflects on Yoav’s dedication to a combat role and the dangerous mission that cost him his life, 'He was proud to participate in a mission to rescue hostages or secure vital information.'
Sergeant First Class Tom Rotstein, 23 years old from Ramat Gan, and Sergeant Uri Yhonatan Cohen, 20 years old from Neve Yarak, were two of the soldiers killed in a Gaza explosion earlier this week, IDF says.
Captivity survivor Liri Albag mourns her former classmate, Staff Sergeant Yoav Raver, one of four soldiers killed in Gaza. Remembered for his kindness and quiet strength, Yoav was also a national youth basketball player.
IDF Spokesperson Effie Defrin issues solemn statement following the tragic deaths of four IDF soldiers during combat operations in Gaza, shedding light on the challenging realities of the ongoing conflict and the IDF's multifaceted efforts.
Community leaders mourn the loss of Sgt. Maj. (res.) Chen Gross Hy''d, a resident of Hinanit in Samaria and a member of the community’s emergency team, calling him a brave warrior and pillar of the community.
The Southern Sharon Regional Council announced that Staff Sergeant Yoav Raver from Sde Warburg fell in battle in the southern Gaza Strip.
Odeya Fenigstein, whose husband Maoz fell in Gaza, weds Elhanan Atiya, a close friend of Maoz.
'It still feels like he’s away on duty,' says Tehila Van Gelder, mother of Staff Sergeant Omer Van Gelder, who was killed in Gaza, describing her son's enduring smile, his dream of becoming a doctor, and his deep sense of mission.
IDF Soldier and MDA Volunteer Staff Sergeant Omer Van Gelder fell in battle in Gaza, 'He was deeply dedicated to everything he did — both in MDA and during his military service,' Zaki Heller, MDA Spokesperson says.
Family and friends pay heartfelt tribute to Staff Sgt. Omer Van Gelder, 22, of the Givati Brigade, who was killed in northern Gaza, remembering his selflessness, bravery, and enduring impact.
Omer Van Gelder, a dedicated MDA volunteer and aspiring doctor, will be buried at Mount Herzl; family mourns 'a tremendous loss' after deadly IED attack in Jabaliya.
The principal of the school where Omer Van Gelder studied eulogized him after the IDF announced that he had been killed in action.
Despite performing military duties and facing identical risks, 19-year-old David Libi will not be recognized as an IDF casualty due to his status as a civilian contractor.
More than 1,000 cyclists from across Israel completed the annual memorial bike ride honoring Yitzhak Bunish, the Hebron security officer killed in a terrorist shooting at the Worshippers' Path 22 years ago.
Months after losing her brother, Maj. Chen Buchris, Liel Buchris passes away from cancer at age 34. Her family believes grief overwhelmed her. 'October 7 hasn’t ended.'
Sergei Marchenko, a family friend of Staff Sergeant Danilo Mocanu, mourns the 20-year-old soldier killed in a Gaza building collapse, calling him 'an angel boy' and criticizing military tactics and Knesset leadership.
Staff Sergeant Danilo Mocanu from Holon killed in building collapse during combat in southern Gaza. One other soldier lightly wounded. 858 soldiers have fallen since the start of the war.
The preliminary investigation found that while SGT Chirak was working to inspect a tunnel shaft in northern Gaza, a force that was securing the area shot him.
Hana and Peretz, the parents of fallen soldier Yosef Yehuda Chirak eulogized him today after he became the first casualty of Operation Gideon's Chariots.
Sergeant Yosef Yehuda Chirak from Harasha in Binyamin fell during combat in the northern Gaza Strip. He was only 22 years old and recently married.
Hadas Hershkowitz shares the life and legacy of her husband Yossi, a beloved educator and IDF commander, whose values and voice continue to guide his family and students after his death in Gaza.
The tribute consisted of an exhibition dedicated to the special needs community in the town of Gevaot in the Gush Etzion region.
In a poignant development decades in the making, the IDF has announced the successful identification and location of Arthur Gasner's burial site 76 years after he was killed in action during the 1949 operation in the Lachish District.
After more than four decades missing in action, Staff Sergeant Tzvi Feldman, killed in the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yaqub, was finally laid to rest in Israel today.
Several bodies were exhumed during the operation. Foreign media reports that Israel is checking whether one of them might be that of 'our man in Damascus.'
Grieving parents discover decorated stones from soldiers’ graves discarded in pile ahead of Memorial Day; Defense Ministry blames cleaning error.
96-year-old Holocaust survivor, Magda Baratz, passes away two weeks after her great-grandson Asaf Cafri fell in Gaza.
Sgt. Yishai Urbach, killed in Gaza two months after his wedding, is remembered as a devoted soldier and beloved husband whose faith, courage, and commitment to Israel define his life and sacrifice.
Yuval, Yishai Urbach’s widow, recalls his final conversation, as he prepared for a mission of strength and honor fighting for his people and country. 'I am proud of him.'
The children of Elhanan Kalamanson gathered in the house where he was killed in action in the October 7th massacre to honor him among the 33 Israelis killed defending Be'eri.
Sergeant Yishai Elyakim Urbach and Staff Sergeant Yam Frid fell during combat in the southern Gaza Strip. Four other soldiers seriously wounded. A total of 856 soldiers have fallen since the start of the war.
Sergeant Major (Res.) Dejen Daniel Sahalo, a combat soldier in the 5067th Engineering Battalion, was killed in a car accident during operational activity in the area of the communities near the Gaza Strip.
Rabbi Shilo Marom from the Keshet pre-military academy said goodbye to his student Captain Noam Ravid, who was killed in action today in Gaza.
Sergeant Niv Dayag, 19, killed in a car accident during operational activity in the Golan Heights; two other soldiers injured.
'Yom Hazikaron is a day of brokenness, meriting Independence Day,' Rabbi Yoram Eliyahu, father of Sergeant first class (res.) Yedidya Eliyahu, who fell in Gaza, says.
The three brothers of Lieutenant Shahar Ben Nun speak to Arutz Sheva and describe their feelings on the first Memorial Day as bereaved brothers.
'It is important that Israel not only remember, but also embrace the character and values of the fallen into their hearts. These are noble souls. Let us be worthy of them,' bereaved father Shlomo Toaff says.
'We will not be taken hostage,' Nimrod Eliraz, sole survivor of the Nahal Oz command center, recounts how four soldiers fought for hours against Hamas terrorists, without ammunition.
Captain Ido Voloch, 21, of the Armored Corps, and Sergeant Neta Yitzhak Kahana, a Border Police officer, fell in battle in Gaza.
Hagai, father of Master Sergeant Asaf Cafri who fell in battle in Gaza, received the news of his son’s death while in Germany with his 96-year-old Holocaust survivor grandmother.
Asaf Cafri, who served as a tank driver in the 79th Battalion, 'Machatz' Brigade (14th), fell during combat in the northern Gaza Strip.
Since last Memorial Day, 316 fallen soldiers have been added to the tally, along with 61 disabled veterans who passed away due to their disabilities and were recognized during the year as fallen soldiers of Israel's wars.
Eternal Heroism: President Isaac Herzog and leading rabbis write letters in Torah scroll dedicated to memory of Sergeant Segev Schwartz, who jumped on a grenade to save dozens of his comrades.
On October 7th, 2023, Rabbi Shmuel Slotki presided over the IDF team that worked to search for bodies in southern Israel. At the same time, his sons, Yishay and Noam, went to fight the terrorists and lost their lives doing so.
Lookout Hadar Miriam Cohen's father has been fighting for 18 months for the regional cemetery where she was buried to be recognized as a military plot.
Command Sergeant Major G'haleb Sliman Alnasasra, 35 years old from Rahat, fell in battle in Gaza; two soldiers injured.
Leftist activists prevent bereaved father Tiran Yaakov from approaching encampment supporting Jewish presence in Gaza, 'Hatred surpasses respect for the fallen.'
Manetto Hill Road in Plainview was renamed Captain Omer Neutra's Way, commemorating the late Captain Omer Neutra, an American-Israeli citizen whose body is being held by Hamas.
Nirit Rauchberger, mother of fallen IDF soldier Captain Shilo Rauchberger, who was killed in battle on October 7, describes her son's personality and talks about the new memorial being built for him in Eli.
Sergeant Yosef Haim Tzvi Serlin, 19 years old from Jerusalem, declared dead after collapsing following training exercise in northern Israel. IDF investigating.
Ronen Portnoi was found lifeless last Saturday on an IDF base. Military police are investigating the circumstances of his death.
Popular Israeli singer Ilanit invites Michal, sister of fallen soldier Shaul Greenglick, to sing together on stage in memory of her brother.
