Five soldiers – Captain Yair Yakov Shushan, Staff Sergeant Yahav Hadar, Staff Sergeant Guy Karmiel, Staff Sergeant Yoav Feffer, and Staff Sergeant Aviel Wiseman – lost their lives in a fierce battle in the Gaza Strip, an event that was made public on Monday evening. Alongside them, eight other soldiers from the Reconnaissance Battalion of the Nahal Brigade suffered severe injuries in the same tragic incident.
The Ma’alot-Tarshiha municipality confirmed that Captain Yair Shushan, a resident of the city, died in the Gaza Strip while on duty. Ma’alot-Tarshiha’s Mayor, Moti Ben-David, expressed his grief, sharing that last summer, Yair was honored with a certificate from the Prime Minister and Chief of Staff following the successful completion of his officers’ course. “Yair the hero grew up and was educated in the city, fought bravely in the last war. His heroism stands before our eyes. The entire community of the city of Ma’alot Tarshiha embraces the dear family in this difficult time and sends its sincere condolences. May you never know any more sorrow and grief,” Ben-David said.
The Ma’alot Ort Yeshiva High School, where Yair was an alumnus, also released a statement mourning his loss. “The Ma’alot Ort Yeshiva High School is shocked and saddened by the pain of our dear friends, Michael and Hadas Shoshan, and their beloved son Barak, a student [at the school], upon learning of the death of our dear graduate Yair Shoshan, a young man who was like the salt of the earth.”
Meanwhile, Herzliya’s Mayor Yariv Fisher shared the sorrowful news of the death of First Sergeant Yoav Feffer. “A brave warrior and beloved son of Guy and Idit, brother of Ori, Lilo and Rom. The Fefer family, my dear neighbors, who educated their children in the values of love of country, endless giving, and loyalty to the people and the state,” he said. Reflecting on Yoav’s character, Fisher continued, “Yoav was not just a neighbor. He was an integral part of our community – a young man with values, who was modest and had many dreams, who sacrificed what was dearest to us to protect us. It is difficult to digest the loss. Our city and the community lost a true hero. This pain, which pierces the hearts of all of us, is a pain that has no words. Yoav was a role model, a figure of leadership, courage, and solidarity.”
The town of Poria Illit also expressed its condolences following the loss of Aviel Wiseman, stating, “We share in the heavy grief of the family, may they be comforted in the consolation of Tzion and Yerushalayim.”
{Matzav.com Israel}