IDF Names 5 Soldiers Killed In Gaza, 1 On Northern Border

JERUSALEM (VINnews)— The IDF released the names of five soldiers who fell while fighting in Gaza, as well as one who died on the Lebanon border..

– Staff sergeant Nir Rafael Kananian, 20 years old from Beit Keshet in the Lower Galilee, fought in the Givati Brigade and fell Friday in battle in southern Gaza. He is survived by his parents, Yelena and Reuven, and by his siblings Gary and Yasmine. Nir was described as “Loved by his friends, Zionist and full of motivation.”-

– Staff sergeant Birhanu Kassie, age 22 from Beit Shemesh, fought in the Givati Brigade and fell Friday in battle in southern Gaza. Kassie is survived by his parents and seven sisters. Friends said that from childhood he displayed high capabilities and courage.

Sergeant-Major (res.) Shai Termin, age 26 from Rosh Pina, fought in Battalion 6623 of the 55th Paratroopers Brigade, and fell in battle in southern Gaza on Friday. Shai, an excellent sportsman, was the oldest of three siblings, the son of Shlomit and Avi. He was described as “A true mentsch- always willing to help others with a cheerful countenance.”

Warrant officer (res.) Alexander Spitz, age 41 from Karmiel, fought in Battalion 6623 of the 55th Paratroopers Brigade, and fell in battle on Friday in southern Gaza. Spitz is survived by his mother Polina, his wife Margarita and his childen. Margarita wrote: “How did you leave me just like that? The children? In such a cruel world there is no air to breath without you. There’s no more light, I don’t want to live without you, come back my beloved one. Please make a miracle, I refuse to believe, somebody say that I’m dreaming. I have no life without you, you are the best thing that happened to me.”

Captain Oshri Moshe Butzhak, age 22 from Haifa, a squad commander in the Nahal Brigade’s commando unit, fell Saturday in battle in northern Gaza. A graduate of the Pirchei Aharon yeshiva high school, Butzhak completed his officer’s training and became a commander. He also volunteered in Kav L’Chaim for children suffering from disabilities.

On Friday, the IDF cleared for publication on Friday evening that Sergeant Amit Hod Ziv, 19, from Rosh Haayin, fell during operational activity following launches that were carried out from Lebanese territory towards northern Israel.

Since the start of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, 144 soldiers have fallen in battle. May their blood be avenged.

Amit Hod-Ziv