Father of Fallen Soldier Ofri Yafe Embraces Sniper Who Accidentally Killed His Son 

Thousands gathered today at the military cemetery in Moshav HaYogev to bid farewell to Ofri Yafe, a 21-year-old fighter in the elite Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit (Sayeret Tzanhanim). Yafe was killed yesterday in Southern Gaza by accidental IDF fire.

In a display of profound emotional strength, Ofri’s father, Yiftah utilized the funeral and earlier media interviews to address the IDF sniper who accidentally fired the fatal shot.

Speaking to Kan Reshet Bet, Yiftah stated that he intended to give the sniper a "very big hug" if he attended the funeral.

"We want to save his soul," the father said. "He should feel that we have no anger toward him, not even the slightest bit. These are our best children; they are all our children."

Ofri’s mother and father painted a portrait of a young man who acted as a "magnet" for those around him.

His mother spoke through tears, describing the tragedy as a "black dream." She told the mourners, "You were everything to everyone; everyone stuck to you like a magnet."

While expressing total support for the soldiers on the ground, Yiftah directed his anger toward Israel’s leadership. He criticized the government for sending "the best of its sons on missions without purpose," according to reports by Maariv.

Massive crowds attended the ceremony in the Moshav where Ofri was born and raised. The Paratrooper unit stood in silence as the family emphasized that they held no grudge against the unit or the soldiers involved in the operational error.