Alumni of Meitarim-Lachish who fell in Israel's wars
"Not in vain, my brother, have you striven."
In blessed memory of our beloved and heroic graduates, who fell in the battle for the rebirth of our nation and land. Their love, kindness, and memory will forever light our path.
September 14, 1995 – May 8, 2024
Cohort VII
Yitav Lev was born in Jerusalem and raised in Gilo and Har Gilo. From a young age, he was a natural leader—sociable, beloved, and vibrant. He studied at the "Masorti" High School in Jerusalem, excelling in academics, sports, and theater. After high school, he joined Meitarim-Lachish (Cohort VII).
Following his time at the Mechina, he enlisted in the Maglan unit, where he excelled as both a soldier and an officer. Yitav Lev was a revered commander, leading his soldiers with professionalism and devotion. After his service, he hiked the Israel National Trail and was later accepted into the Yamam (National Counter-Terrorism Unit), where he became a highly esteemed combat soldier and commander.
On October 7, 2023, he fought heroically in the Gaza envelope communities. Following the fall of his commander, he took command of the team. He continued to lead his men until a mission in May 2024, during which he was critically wounded. He passed away five days later. Yitav Lev left behind a legacy of excellence, camaraderie, and humility. He was a man of joy who loved life and was always surrounded by friends and family.
August 12, 1999 – October 28, 2024
Cohort IV, Eliav Branch
Guy, son of Yael and Mike, loving brother to Tamar and Yuval, and partner to Noa, was raised in Atlit. After graduating from Yavne High School, he joined the Eliav branch of Meitarim-Lachish (Cohort IV).
After his Mechina year, he enlisted in the Armored Corps, serving in several command positions. His final role was Commander of "Hanit" Company in the 52nd Battalion, 401st Brigade. Guy was admired by his soldiers and commanders alike, acting with determination and complete faith in his mission.
In October 2024, Guy was wounded during operations in Jabalia when an anti-tank missile struck the tank he commanded. Upon arriving at the hospital, Guy managed to tell the medical staff that he believed in and trusted his soldiers. He fought for his life for ten days before passing away from his wounds. Captain Guy Nezri was 25 years old, leaving a legacy of mission, joy, excellence, and a constant pursuit of the good.
October 22, 2001 – October 7, 2023
Cohort XIII, Beit Guvrin Branch
Michael, son of Yael and Meir, loving brother to Ohad, Noa, and Asaf, and partner to Tamar, was raised in Rehovot. After graduating from Amit Amichai High School, he joined the Beit Guvrin branch of Meitarim-Lachish (Cohort XIII) and continued for a second year at Midreshet HaArava in Ein Yahav.
He enlisted in the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion. He graduated training as the outstanding soldier of his company and went on to become a sniper squad leader. As a commander, he was professional, caring, and deeply attentive to his soldiers' welfare.
On the morning of Simchat Torah, October 7, 2023, Michael was part of a four-man patrol near the Kissufim outpost. His team identified the approaching terrorists and engaged in a fierce primary battle, standing as the first line of defense between the terrorists and the kibbutz. Staff Sergeant Michael Ben Hamou fell that day at 21 years old. He left a mark of authenticity, humor, and profound humility.
October 3, 2000 – August 29, 2024
Cohort VI, Shekaf-Eliav Branch
Hersh, son of Jon and Rachel and loving brother to Libby and Orly, was born in Berkeley, California, and made Aliya to Jerusalem with his family at age seven.
After studying at Himmelfarb High School, Hersh joined Meitarim-Lachish (Cohort VI). He was an exceptionally deep and values-driven student, full of wit, a sharp intellect, and overflowing kindness. After his Mechina year, he enlisted in the Armored Corps, serving in the 82nd Battalion. Hersh dreamed of traveling the world after his service.
On the morning of October 7, 2023, Hersh was abducted from the Nova music festival. The struggle to bring him home ended with his murder on August 29, 2024, after 330 days of surviving in captivity. Hersh was a man of a "good heart and a good eye," striving for justice and a world of truth. His legacy is the verse: "Justice, justice shall you pursue; seek peace and pursue it."
May 26, 2002 – December 29, 2024
Cohort XI, Beit Guvrin Branch
Yuval, an Armored Corps fighter in the 9th Battalion, 401st Brigade, was 22 years old when he fell. Born and raised in the Baka neighborhood of Jerusalem, he studied at Himmelfarb High School. He attended Meitarim-Lachish (Cohort XI) and continued for a second year at Midreshet Ein Prat.
In the IDF, Yuval served as a loader and a deputy company sergeant major (Sarsap). He was a "giant" in every sense, with an enormous heart—a man of life, love, and people. He was an intellectual and a brilliant scholar.
On the morning of the fourth candle of Hanukkah, December 29, 2024, Yuval fell during a battle in the Jabalia refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. Yuval, a man of light, left a legacy of seeing the good in others and fighting for the light in the world.
In Loving Memory
"He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces." In memory of our dear graduates who were taken from us prematurely.
March 28, 1999 – August 29, 2024
Cohort IV, Shekaf-Eliav Branch
Dror was born and raised in Jerusalem. An exceptionally bright, witty, and sensitive child with a rich inner world, he was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Despite facing severe bullying in school, Dror found immense inner strength to overcome these challenges.
He graduated from Meitarim-Lachish (Cohort IV) and insisted on serving in a combat role in the IDF, eventually joining the Armored Reconnaissance unit. After his service, he began studying Economics and Computer Science at the Hebrew University. Dror was a pillar of his cohort—always ready with good advice and a warm embrace.
The scars of his childhood bullying remained deep, and he passed away at the age of 23. In his memory, his family established the "Knafey Dror" (Dror's Wings) association, dedicated to monitoring and preventing bullying and social boycotts among children.
March 27, 1996 – July 7, 2019
Cohort I, Shekaf-Eliav Branch
Yuval was born in Jerusalem. Due to his parents' work, he grew up in several countries, developing great resilience and social skills. He returned to Israel in 10th grade and settled in Har Adar. He was part of the founding cohort (Cohort I) of the Shekaf-Eliav branch of Meitarim-Lachish.
His year at the Mechina was transformative; he was the heart of the group, using his humor to lift spirits during difficult times. Yuval served as a soldier and commander in Golani's 12th Battalion, known for his ability to see the inner soul of every person and connect with those different from him.
After his service, he trained as a fitness instructor. During his "big trip" to Japan with his partner, Yuval was critically injured in a road accident and passed away. He left behind values of love for humanity, curiosity, and a constant endeavor for excellence.
