Heartwarming: Ashdod Couple Names Newborn Son "Aner" in Honor of Fallen Hero Aner Shapira

A couple from Ashdod has named their newborn son Aner, in memory of the heroic soldier Aner Shapira, who was killed while saving lives during the October 7 Hamas massacre. The baby was born on Sunday evening, coinciding with the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle, at Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot.

The proud father, Maor, who has been serving in the reserves since the start of the war, said the name held deep meaning for them."We don't personally know Aner or his family, but his story of bravery inspired us tremendously," Maor shared. "The name Aner also contains the Hebrew letters for 'ner' (candle), which felt like a perfect and natural connection since he was born on the first night of Hanukkah."

His wife, a 37-year-old first-time mother, added: "We decided on the name during the pregnancy. I knew from early on that this would be his name. The fact that the birth fell on Hanukkah just felt right."

Aner Shapira, a 22-year-old Nahal Brigade commando, was off-duty at the Nova music festival on October 7 when Hamas terrorists attacked.

He took shelter in a roadside bunker with dozens of others. Video footage later showed him courageously throwing back seven grenades hurled into the shelter by terrorists, saving the lives of several people inside before he was ultimately killed.

His extraordinary act of heroism has been widely remembered and honored across Israel.

The hospital staff at Kaplan noted the meaningful choice, welcoming little Aner into the world on a night symbolizing light and hope during Hanukkah.

Mazal Tov!