״Guardians of the Walls" - In Memory of the Fallen of October 7

A Series of Articles in Memory of the Red Heroes Who Risked Their Lives and Fell in Defense of the Home

07/10/2024 | 10:00 | Community

״The smile rises at every possible moment. This is the Land of Israel for which I do this," wrote team supporter Sergeant Roy Dawi, of blessed memory, in his last letter to his family during the fighting in the border kibbutzim on the morning of Simchat Torah, before he fell in battle in Gaza on October 31, 2023. The terrible day of October 7 and the war that followed brought unbearable losses to the family of Hapoel Jerusalem, as well as to all of Israel. A year has passed, and the sorrow and brokenness continue with us to this day, as just three days ago we were informed of the death of team supporter Tal Dror, of blessed memory. But along with the loss and pain, stories of heroism from our brave brothers and heroes have emerged. We at Hapoel have launched a special series of articles, "Guardians of the Walls," to bring you some of these stories.

Sergeant Aner Shapiro, of blessed memory

Aner was an extraordinary hero. He went out to celebrate life with his friends at the "Nova" festival, but was called up to the Sufa base with the outbreak of the murderous attack. On the way, hearing the gunfire, Aner and his friends entered an armored vehicle at the Re'im junction. Grenades were thrown into the vehicle, and Aner bravely threw back seven of them at the terrorists until he was killed by the eighth grenade. Aner saved many lives. For the full story, click here.

Lieutenant Colonel Shilo Har-Even, of blessed memory

Shilo was a revered commander who led his soldiers straight to the fence on the morning of October 7. He fought in close combat with the terrorists while standing outside his armored vehicle and refused to evacuate even when he was severely injured in his hand. When his vehicle and his team's were incapacitated during the breach at the Nahal Oz base, Shila jumped out and began fighting the terrorists until he was ultimately wounded and killed. For the full story, click here.

Captain Roy Nahari, of blessed memory

Captain Roy Nahari, of blessed memory, was an officer whom everyone admired and respected. With a captivating smile and charisma that was impossible to miss, Roy and his team managed to move through several locations and save many lives before he was killed in battle on that black Saturday. Roy was critically injured in the battle at Kibbutz Kfar Aza, evacuating on his own while raising his fist to encourage his soldiers to keep moving forward. He lay in the hospital for two days in critical condition until his death was declared. After his passing, his family donated his organs, saving five additional lives. For the full story, click here.

Staff Sergeant Elad Sasson, of blessed memory

Staff Sergeant Elad Sasson, of blessed memory, was a talented fighter in the Egoz unit. On the morning of October 7, he was actually in Judea and Samaria when he and his team were among the first to descend to the besieged Kisufim outpost. Elad fell in a heroic battle during the final maneuver at the outpost. For the full story, click here.

In memory of them, and in memory of all the supporters of Hapoel who fell and were murdered on that black Saturday:

Reserves Sergeant Aviv Bar'am, of blessed memory, a member of the alert team at Kibbutz Kfar Aza who fell while defending his home from Hamas terrorists.
David Karol, of blessed memory, who was murdered in the brutal attack on Kibbutz Be'eri.
Major Yigal Iluz, of blessed memory, who fell in battle with terrorists at the police station in Ofakim.
Reserves Lieutenant Amir Naim, of blessed memory, who was a member of the alert team at Kibbutz Erez, fired the first shot, and fell in the battle to defend the kibbutz.
Sergeant Major Tomer Barak, of blessed memory, who died a hero in the battle to defend the Pagah outpost.

To the "In Their Memory" page, in memory of Hapoel's fallen over the generations, click here.