Father's Devastating Farewell to IDF Soldier Son Killed in Lebanon
Hundreds mourn Sgt. Ohad Yaari at Rehovot military cemetery after friendly fire incident • Father delivers emotional tribute: "The hardest journey parents can take" | The final goodbye (Israel News)
Hundreds of family members, friends, and fellow soldiers gathered Sunday at Rehovot Military Cemetery to bid farewell to Sergeant Ohad Yaari, a Givati Brigade fighter killed Saturday in southern Lebanon in what the IDF confirmed was a tragic friendly fire incident. The 21-year-old soldier was killed by a stray bullet.
In a devastating eulogy that left mourners in tears, Ohad's father David described the unbearable journey the family now faces. "On Friday, as the people of Israel prepared to welcome Shabbat, we embarked on the hardest journey parents can ever take — a journey of loss and an enormous void left by the one dearest to us," David stated, his voice breaking with emotion.
The father portrayed his son as a young man of unwavering dedication and quiet generosity, someone who gave without expecting anything in return. According to David's account, Ohad's fellow soldiers testified to his selfless nature, recalling how he would share his rations with comrades even after exhausting guard shifts and offer support during their most difficult moments.
"Ohad was a shining figure who cared for those around him, helped his mother, accompanied his family members, and gave of himself without calculation," David declared. The eulogy painted a picture of a devoted son, dedicated student, and loyal friend whose presence illuminated the lives of everyone he encountered.
Despite the overwhelming grief, David expressed determination to continue forward, acknowledging the painful nights ahead. "We will fill our pillows with tears," he admitted, referencing the profound sorrow that now engulfs the family.
In a remarkable display of resolve amid tragedy, David revealed he had spoken with Ohad's commanders in the Givati Brigade immediately after receiving the devastating news. His message to them was unequivocal: "Don't lower your heads. You are engaged in a difficult and dangerous mission, but also a just and necessary one, for the defense of the State of Israel."
ohad's brother Moshe, who served alongside him in reserve duty, delivered his own emotional tribute, recalling their final conversation the previous Shabbatwhen Ahad was home on leave. The brothers had discussed the war and Ahad's role as a battalion communications officer. "In his eyes I saw pure pride of a warrior who knew exactly why he was there," Moshe stated.
Addressing his brother's comrades-in-arms, Moshe urged them to carry forward Ahad's spirit of optimism and dedication. "Take the smile and good spirit that characterized my brother and make them a compass for the path forward," he declared. Despite the family's personal anguish, Moshe pledged they would continue acting with responsibility and determination to complete the mission for which they had enlisted, "with heads held high and full faith."
Dvir, Oha's brother, characterized him as a consummate professional who mastered every software program and application, always reassuring his mother and those around him that "everything is under control." In his eulogy, Dvir issued a direct appeal to Israel's leadership, calling on them to continue the war until achieving decisive victory and complete triumph, while praying for a secure future and settlement throughout the Land of Israel.
The youngest brother, Amitai, eulogized Ohad with admiration for his principled character and unwavering integrity. He described someone who never sought shortcuts or special treatment, but instead invested fully in every task, whether studying in yeshiva or fighting on the battlefield. "You left behind a legacy of a dedicated and values-driven person," Amitai declared, acknowledging that despite the enormous void in their hearts, the memories and personal example would accompany them always.
Grandfather Yaakov Sherman expressed the unbearable pain of standing in a cemetery eulogizing his grandson, noting with profound sorrow that this was not the first time the family had endured such devastating loss. He strengthened the bereaved family members and quoted from the Book of Job about accepting divine judgment, while expressing hope that Ohad, together with another fallen family member Yehuda Shmuel, would advocate favorably before the Heavenly Throne.
The IDF announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the friendly fire incident.