In the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem, amidst the ancient stones and bustling streets, Sgt. Rose Lubin (z”l) stood vigilant, guarding one of the most holy places in the world. With each patrol, Rose carried not just the weight of her gear, but also the legacy of her family, survivors of the Holocaust. The motto of her unit, “Generations dreamed of arriving in Jerusalem, and we have the honor to protect her,” echoed within her, a poignant reminder of the dreams unfulfilled by her ancestors and the duty she embraced to safeguard the city they longed for.
A Lone Soldier hailing from Atlanta, Rose served in the Magav unit, a force specializing in anti-terrorism with the authority of police officers. On October 7, she displayed extraordinary bravery as she controlled the gates to her kibbutz amidst gunfire, ushering in waves of Nova Music Festival attendees seeking refuge and saving countless lives. Tragically, less than a month later, Rose was fatally attacked by a terrorist while standing guard at the Muslim Quarter, one of the most perilous areas of the city.
Rose epitomized heroism in every aspect of her life. As her father attests, from a young age, she vocalized her unwavering dedication to defending the Jewish people—a commitment she fulfilled with courage and selflessness until her last breath. Whether confronting bullies targeting a neighbor for their Jewish heritage or defending an entire kibbutz from terrorist threats, Rose’s actions were consistently marked by strength and empathy.
We were privileged to have had Rose as part of the FIDF community. Her presence at the 2023 Atlanta gala — where she recited Hatikvah, recounted experiences in service, and shared her heartfelt gratitude to FIDF — remains a cherished memory. May Rose’s legacy continue to inspire others and endure among her fellow IDF soldiers and all who knew her.
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