The Ma’alot-Tarshiha municipality has shared the heartbreaking news that Lieutenant Yair Shoshan, a resident of the city, was killed while fighting in the Gaza Strip. Mayor Moti Ben-David of Ma’alot-Tarshiha expressed his sorrow, recalling that Yair had been honored last summer with a certificate of distinction from both the Prime Minister and the Chief of Staff upon completing his officers’ course.
“Yair, the hero, grew up and was nurtured in our city, and displayed remarkable bravery during the last war. His courage is a shining example before us all. The entire Ma’alot-Tarshiha community extends its embrace to the grieving family during this challenging time and offers our deepest condolences. May you find no further sorrow,” Ben-David shared.
The Ma’alot Ort Yeshiva High School, where Yair had once studied, also expressed its shock and sorrow. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our cherished graduate, Yair Shoshan. He was a young man who embodied the essence of goodness, like the salt of the earth,” the school stated. They also extended their heartfelt sympathy to his parents, Michael and Hadas Shoshan, and his brother Barak, a current student at the school.
In addition to this, Herzliya Mayor Yariv Fisher announced the death of First Sergeant Yoav Pepper, paying tribute to him with deep respect. “Yoav was a brave soldier and a beloved son of Guy and Idit, and a brother to Ori, Lilo, and Rom. The Pepper family, who are our dear neighbors, raised their children with values of patriotism, selflessness, and a deep commitment to our people and our nation,” Fisher said.
He continued, “Yoav was more than just a neighbor—he was a vital part of our community, a young man of integrity, humility, and great dreams, who gave up everything to protect us. The loss is impossible to fully grasp. Our city and our community have lost a true hero. The pain that is felt by all of us is beyond words. Yoav was a role model of leadership, courage, and unity.”
The town of Poria Illit also announced with sorrow the loss of Aviel Weissman, who fell in Gaza. They expressed their condolences, saying, “We share in the heavy grief of the family, may they be comforted with the solace of Zion and Yerushalayim.”
{Matzav.com Israel}