Kiryat Ono mourns loss of local IDF soldier Barak Halperin

Sergeant First Class Barak Daniel Halperin, a resident of Kiryat Ono, has fallen in military service, city officials announced today (Monday).

Halperin was recognized throughout Kiryat Ono for his active involvement in community life, serving as a youth leader in the "Gilad" scout tribe and standing out as an exceptional player in the city's youth basketball program.

"We have lost one of our finest," said Kiryat Ono Mayor Michal Rosenstein in an official statement. "Barak was salt of the earth, charismatic and beloved by all who knew him."

The mayor, who lives in the same neighborhood as the Halperin family, expressed personal condolences to his parents Galit and Nir, and his siblings Ophir and Saar.

Further details about the circumstances of Sgt. Halperin's fall will be released pending military approval and family wishes.