IDF Soldier Succumbs To Injuries Sustained In Gaza Fighting

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The IDF has announced the passing of a soldier who was critically injured during fighting in Khan Younis on 15th February.

The soldier, 22-year-old paratrooper commando Maoz Morell from Talmon, is the 236th casualty since the beginning of the IDF offensive in Gaza on October 27th. He is the fifth casualty in the Swords of Steel war from the village of Talmon (pop. 6000), a religious community in the heart of the Binyamin region.

Maoz Morell HyD

Maoz is survived by his parents Varda and Eitan, and four siblings. After studying at the Dimona yeshiva high school and Yeshivat Avinoam in the town of Tapuach in Samaria, Maoz enlisted in the Paratroopers Brigade.

Dimona Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Yaakov Dodi eulogized Maoz, stating that “His courage and determination came to full expression in all of his life journey, whether in daily challenges, in Torah study and in his connection with his rabbis. His sweet countenance, pleasant ways and love of his family, friends and all around him will stay etched in our hearts and on the walls of our Beit Midrash.”

Friends related that “Maoz was known for his goodheartedness, joie de vivre, smile and ability to sing and play music. He was a truly beloved friend to all of us.”

Binyamin regional head Israel Ganz eulogized him: “Maoz hung between heaven and earth for a full week, leaving this world by degrees and saying goodbye to the land for which he had fought and which he loved. His amazing family surrounded him with love until he returned his soul to its creator. We weep and mourn for the dear youth, from the younger and better generation of Binyamin, that led us forward in values, character traits, and on the battlefield. We will accompany the Morell family in any way needed.”

Maoz will be interred at the Har Herzl military cemetery at 12 PM Tuesday.

May his blood be avenged.