30/04/2025
In Loving Memory of Our Heroes – Volunteers, Mentors, and Defenders
במותם ציוו לנו חיים – In their death, they have commanded us life
They lit up hospital rooms with laughter.
They built connections, inspired children, and showed up week after week with heart, patience, and joy.
They were Simcha Layeled volunteers—mentors, guides, and friends.
And when their nation called, they stood without hesitation.
They ran to protect, to save, to lead—many with no weapon but their courage, many sacrificing everything for others.
We honor:
Master Sergeant (Res.) Bachur Sved z”l – Fought with his bare hands on October 7th and fell defending his community.
Lieutenant Naveh Elazar Lax z”l – Fought bravely in Be’eri with Sayeret Matkal; a beloved mentor in our Central Branch.
Major (Res.) David Chaim Meir z”l – Rescued the wounded in Kfar Aza and Be’eri with Sayeret Matkal; a technical team volunteer.
Sergeant Major (Res.) Yossi Hershkowitz z”l – An educator and musician who led with heart and spirit; devoted camp coordinator.
Sergeant (First Class) Itan Dishon z”l – A bright light and dedicated mentor; fell on the way to Jabaliya.
Captain (Res.) Gabriel (Shoshani) Shani z”l – A paratrooper and father of three; formed a deep bond with his mentee.
Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) Yitzhar Kalfa Hoffman z”l – Saved lives in Be’eri while injured; led Simcha LaYeled’s Greece cruise.
Captain (Res.) Shagai Yaakov Rubinstein z”l – A gifted paramedic and pillar of care; helped build our camps; fell in Lebanon.
They were warriors of the soul—on the battlefield and in the hospital.
Their kindness, strength, and legacy live on in every smile they created, every life they touched, and every child they lifted.
We carry their light forward.
For the children. For joy. For life.
Simcha Layeled bows its head in sorrow, and rises with purpose.
May their memories be a blessing — and a call to action.
