Rabbi who lost two sons on October 7 to light torch at Independence Day Ceremony

Rabbi Shmuel Slotki, who endured one of the most personal tragedies of the October 7th Hamas massacre, will light a torch during Israel’s official Independence Day ceremony on Mount Herzl, Minister of Culture and Sport Miri Regev announced Monday. Rabbi Slotki lost his two sons, Yishay and Noam, in battle on that dark day while he himself led a team of IDF soldiers searching for the bodies of the missing and dead in southern Israel.

On the day of the attack, Rabbi Slotki was presiding over the IDF General Staff Casualty Search Company, tasked with locating and identifying victims of the massacre across various kibbutzim and southern communities. Unbeknownst to him, his sons had rushed into battle to defend the Western Negev from invading Hamas terrorists. As the chaos unfolded, contact with Yishay and Noam was lost. Days later, Rabbi Slotki received the devastating news that both had been killed in the line of duty.

Despite the unimaginable loss, Rabbi Slotki continued his work with unwavering dedication. He remained in the field, aiding in the sacred task of recovering and identifying the fallen, supporting both soldiers and team members under his command, and offering comfort to grieving families.

Minister Regev praised Rabbi Slotki’s resilience and service, calling him a symbol of national strength and moral fortitude. “Rabbi Slotki represents everything that is noble and beautiful about our country,” she said. “Even after suffering such immense personal tragedy, he continued to devote himself to saving lives and supporting others. His courage, faith, and tireless efforts embody the spirit of unity, sacrifice, and hope that this nation was built upon.”

In addition to his military and humanitarian service, Rabbi Slotki has also been active in civic efforts to foster respectful dialogue and unity across diverse sectors of Israeli society. His selection to light a torch serves as both a tribute to his sons’ heroism and a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of profound loss.