Staff Sgt. Sahar Sudaei, 20, who was always ready to lend a helping hand, was killed on May 26, 2024, in a confrontation with terrorists in Jabaliya, Gaza, while serving in the Givati Brigade of the Rotem Battalion. He was a fine young man who cared for others, volunteered selflessly, and did it all with humility and grace. Friends and family remember Sahar for his wisdom, modesty, and kind heart. Independent and industrious, he was a beacon of positivity in every space he entered.

Sgt. Eitan Karlsbrun, 20, a young man from Maccabim Re'ot, whose bravery and service were a source of pride for his family and community, fell in battle in the southern Gaza Strip on June 10, 2024, while serving as a combat soldier in the Givati Reconnaissance Unit during a fierce confrontation with enemy forces. In recognition of his dedication and sacrifice, Eitan was posthumously promoted from sergeant to staff sergeant. Eitan was a committed fighter who gave his all for the defense of his country and comrades. The IDF shares in the grief of Eitan’s family and will continue to support them during this difficult time. Eitan’s memory and sacrifice will be honored by his family, friends, and the nation he fought to protect.

Staff Sgt. Haim Sabach, 20, who always spread love wherever he went, was killed by a terrorist missile in the Tormus position in the Upper Galilee on May 8, 2024, while serving in the 869th Battalion of the Border Defense Corps.

Haim started his military service as a company sergeant major at a rear unit, where he was highly appreciated for his compassionate nature by his peers and superiors, but he wanted a greater frontline role. After going to a more advanced army course and achieving a frontline role, he received a certificate of appreciation from the commander of the Galilee Formation for participating in operational activity to neutralize terrorists.

Hailing from Holon, Haim was the eldest son in his family and left behind his parents, Avraham and Michal, two sisters, a brother, a nephew and a partner.

Staff Sgt. Betzalel David Shashuah, 21, who had an unforgettable smile, was killed in the Jabalia area of the northern Gaza Strip on May 15, 2024, while serving in the 202nd Battalion of the Paratroopers Brigade.


David was an observant Jew who followed all the mitzvot, even during his time in service. He felt as though they strengthened him during tough times.


During his service, David served as a combat soldier in the 202nd Battalion of the Paratroopers Brigade.


Friends remember him with a deep love for his humor and honesty.

Sgt. Maj. (res.) Yair Katz, a conqueror of adversity, was a 34-year-old tech industry professional from Holon who served in the 87th Battalion of the 14th Armored Reserves Brigade. He fell during fierce combat in northern Gaza on January 16, 2024.

Yair, a dependable and valued figure in his platoon, earned the trust of all who knew him. He strove for excellence, inspiring those around him. His dedication to justice and truth always pushed him to do more.

Sgt. Tomer Leibovitz, who loved to learn and do, was a 19-year-old from Tel Aviv who served in the 75th Battalion of the 7th Armored Corps. He fell battling hundreds of Hamas terrorists near Kibbutz Nahal Oz on October 7, 2023.

Tomer was a star student, known to read books at a “dizzying pace,” said his father. He was also a talented athlete who played volleyball for the KKTA Tel Aviv-based club.

One week before his death, Tomer rescued two puppies, Tank and Ace, from the Nahal Oz military base and convinced his family to adopt them. Above all, he was a good person with a good heart.

Maj. Tal Grushka, a passionate and profound man, was a 25-year-old company commander from Kfar Sava who served in the 931st Battalion of the Nahal Brigade. He was en route to Kfar Aza when terrorists attacked and killed him on October 7, 2023.

Tal was a man of many talents — pianist, writer, actor, educator, athlete. He strove for knowledge and meaning in all forms. He loved to plan social gatherings, from going to soccer games to celebrating professional successes. Tal will be remembered by his loved ones as a family man, a partner and a dear friend.

Staff Sgt. Shay Arvas, a man who brought people together, was a 20-year-old combat medic from Holon who served in the Tzabar Battalion of the Givati Brigade. He was killed by an anti-tank missile in northern Gaza on October 31, 2023.

Shay was a unifier. He anchored those around him, a pillar of support for his family and his fellow soldiers. Every passion of his — working in the field, cooking for others, baking desserts — was carried out with motivation and pride. Shay was a man of skill and heart.

Staff Sgt. Sahar Meidani, 20, a young man from Kiryat Ekron who dreamt of enlisting in the Golani brigade and knew all the division’s history, was killed on October 7 in Kibbutz Nahal Oz serving as a combat soldier in the 13th Battalion of the Golani Brigade.

On the morning of October 7, more than twenty terrorists infiltrated the kibbutz. They broke into homes, carried out brutal massacres, and murdered entire families. Sahar was killed in fierce battles while defending the settlement.

Among his team members, Sahar was known as "Hamudchik" (cute boy) in recognition of his unique and playful sense of humor.

Sahar is survived by his parents, Liran and Hila, and his sister, Stav.

Staff Sgt. Ori Karmi, 20, a brave Golani soldier from Rishon LeZion, was killed while battling Hamas gunmen attacking the Nahal Oz army base on October 7 serving in the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion.

Ori was one of 66 soldiers killed in the attack on the Nahal Oz base, less than a mile from the border with the Gaza Strip.

Born on Hanukkah, his parents named him Ori (“my light”), a name that loved ones said he lived up to in his short life.

Ori seemed to take the world by storm, always with grace, joy, and honor.

He is survived by his parents, Liat and Dror, sisters Lidor and Ella. He was buried on October 12 in Rishon LeZion.

Staff Sgt. Omri Niv Firshtein, 20, a brave young man from Giv'atayim who loved basketball and studies martial arts, was killed on October 7 a the Zikim base, where he was serving as a combatant in the Search and Rescue unit, trainee education base.

Along with the commanders, Omri fought for hours guarding the base, saving all but one of the ninety newly recruited trainees and dozens of civilians who had fled the Nova party. He and the commanders in the position, did not survive, but they died as heroes.

Active in the "HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed" movement, Omri was known for his bright smile, kind heart, generosity, and humility. He was sweet, wise, witty and always there to lend a hand.

Omri is survived by his parents, Kobi, Orli, and Michal, and his siblings, Maya and Mika.

Staff Sgt. Ofek Arbib, 21, who shared a passion for motorcycles with whom he planned to go on adventures after his service as a combat paratrooper in the Paratroopers Brigade’s 101st Battalion, was killed in the Nova party on October 7th.

A resident of Bat Yam, Ofek was easygoing, fun-loving, and a friend to all.

Always generous with his time and money, Ofek would help anyone in need, even once wrangling his parents to help repaint a neighbor’s house after a fire.

Despite his youth, Ofek served as a shining example of kindness and generosity. His actions, both big and small, spoke volumes about his character. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, reminding us all to lend a hand whenever we can.

Ofek is survived by his parents, Nissim and Ilana, his siblings, Maimon, Meshi, Bar, Tal, and Shachar.

Maj. (res.) Noy Shosh, 36, who loved nature and traveling throughout Israel, was murdered by terrorists defending his home and family in Kibbutz Be'eri on October 7.

Noy served in the reserves as a Technology and Maintenance company commander, in 8112nd Battalion of the Armored Corps.

As a child living in northern Israel, Noy enjoyed traveling throughout the Golan Heights and spending holidays in Eilat and Sinai. As an adult, he enjoyed taking family trips in his jeep.

From the moment he enlisted, Noy loved the army and rose in the ranks through the years. A man with many friends, Noy was known for his big heart, perpetual smile and generous spirit.

He is survived by his wife, Machol, and their three children, Noga, Netzer, and Levi, his parents, Gavriel and Miriam, his siblings, Or and Raz.

Staff Sgt. Michael Ben Hamo, 21, a young man from Rehovot who was willing to sacrifice his life to protect soldiers, friends, and citizens of his beloved country, was killed on October 7 at Kibbutz Kissufim, serving as a squad commander in the Golani Brigade, 51st Battalion.

That morning Michael led his force in their mission to defend the fighters and residents of the nearby kibbutz, when their vehicle was hit by fire. Michael was killed when he and another fighter engaged the terrorists, but their actions helped the other fighters reach the base.

In a journal he kept in the last months of his life, Michael wrote about wanting to fight at the border, at the forefront of defending his homeland.

Michael is survived by his parents, and his partner, Tamar.

Staff Sgt. Lior Raviv, 21, a perpetually patriotic and giving young man dedicated to his homeland and others, was killed on March 23 during the ongoing operation targeting Hamas terrorists in Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital, serving as a combat soldier in the Nahal Brigade, 932nd Battalion.

A resident of Rishon LeZion, Lior was killed just a week before he was expected to finish his army service.

His high school studies were at the Bnei Akiva yeshiva, after which Lior attended a gap year leadership program.

He was known as a calm, modest and humble person devoted to his family, his faith, and his country.

Lior is survived by his parents, Doron and Sarit, and three siblings, Hila, Tal, and Liel.

Staff Sgt. Itay Yehuda, 20, a courageous, cheerful, sensitive, and compassionate young man from Rishon LeZion whose friendliness endeared him to everyone, was serving as a combat soldier in the Givati Brigade’s Tzabar Battalion on October 31, when an anti-tank missile killed him and ten of his comrades.

A friendly and joyful individual, with the soul of an artist, Itay was a creative and skilled painter. He dreamt of becoming a tattoo artist and establishing his own studio.

A solid family man who was close to his older siblings, Itay cherished his relationships with his grandmothers, whom he’d visit on every break from the army.

Itay is survived by his parents, Ofer and Rinat, and two siblings, Omer and Adi.