Afik Tery, the eldest son of Oshrit and Avshalom, was born on the 18th of Elul, 5764 (September 4, 2004), in Rehovot. He had two siblings: Almog and Agam.
Afik was a cheerful, polite, and well-mannered child, raised in a values-driven home where he learned to love Israel and understand the importance of giving and helping others. He began his studies at the “Ramon” elementary school in the New Rehovot neighborhood, where he demonstrated exceptional abilities in various fields: academics, social activities, and sports. He was a handsome, intelligent child with a thirst for learning, exploration, and a natural curiosity.
Due to his high abilities, he was selected for the “Amirim” program for gifted and talented students, where he was exposed to rich content from various fields and acquired tools for thinking, creativity, research, and critique. His enjoyment of the learning process, combined with his diligence, motivation, and desire to succeed, quickly translated into achievements and excellence.
Over the years, Afik was an active and involved member of the school community. He sang in the choir, participated in ceremonies, volunteered for committees, mentored younger students, and was part of the school’s athletics team.
After completing elementary school, Afik moved on to the six-year “ORT Rehovot” education center. In middle school, he studied in the “Mofet” class (Mathematics, Physics, and Community Culture), a track that promotes academic and social excellence. He was a valuable student, brilliant, full of joy, and surrounded by friends. His presence was always felt. During these years, he formed a close friendship with Korin, his classmate, who later became his partner. Together, they navigated their journey of growing up.
Afik continued his studies in high school in the “Tov” program (Technicians and Matriculation), an accelerated track that trains technicians and engineers in technological fields. He didn’t settle for one extended subject and expanded his studies in both mathematics and English. As expected, he received an excellence certificate at the graduation ceremony. He was the leader of the group, unique and unforgettable, always aiming high.
From a young age, Afik had a deep love for soccer. In 4th grade, he joined the city’s soccer school and later played for “Hapoel Marmorek” as a defender. In 9th grade, he joined the “Sektsiya Ness Ziona” youth team, playing both as a defender and midfielder, continuing his development.
Afik, a boy and teenager who had it all – a combination of excellence with ease, charisma, leadership, love for people, and emotional intelligence – was a source of pride for his parents, a role model for his younger siblings, and a strong anchor for them. As the eldest sibling, he supported, guided, protected, and above all, loved.
Afik’s success as a soccer player opened up opportunities for him to pursue a career as a professional athlete. However, after being injured, he decided to retire from soccer and focus on serving in the military. He received an invitation to the pilot course but did not pass the selection stage. He was then invited to a submarine selection process (Shayetet 7) but declined. Eventually, he decided to enlist in the “Kfir” Brigade – the largest of the infantry brigades in the IDF – to serve as a combat soldier on the front lines of the war on Palestinian terrorism.
Afik enlisted in the IDF in March 2023, was assigned to the infantry corps, and began his soldier training in the 90th Battalion (“Nakhshon”) of the Kfir Brigade.
Later in his service, he chose to attend a commander course at the earliest possible time in his military career. He completed his training as a squad commander in the 450th Battalion (“The Flying Lion”) at the Infantry Commanders and Combat Professions School (Bislach). His commanders testified that he was a dominant, sociable, opinionated soldier, highly motivated with a strong sense of unit pride, always the first to help his friends. His comrades in the battalion spoke of a caring friend and brother who always put the collective good before his own and always strived forward.
Afik completed the squad commanders’ course, but before the highly anticipated graduation ceremony could take place, he and his unit entered operational activity in Khan Yunis, where he was killed in battle (March 1, 2024) in an explosion caused by explosives hidden in an internal room of one of the buildings.
In late February 2024 (two days before his fall), there was a meeting with his parents. “We were with him, eating and laughing,” recalled his father. “He told us they were entering a short operation in Gaza. ‘We’ll eliminate them and be out,’ he said, ‘and there will be a squad commanders’ course graduation ceremony.'” To his mother, he said, “I love you, don’t worry.” In the same breath, he added, “I’m not afraid to die for the country.“
On Thursday, February 29, 2024, Afik entered Khan Yunis in southern Gaza with a force from the 450th Battalion of Bislach, under the command of the 75th Armored Battalion. During an operation to clear one of the houses, Hamas militants detonated explosives they had placed in the building. The explosion caused parts of the building to collapse. Afik was killed on the spot. Alongside him fell Sergeant Yinon Yitzhak and Sergeant Dolev Chaim Malka. Fourteen other soldiers were injured, including his platoon commander.
Sergeant Afik Tery fell on the 21st of Adar I, 5784 (March 1, 2024). He was nineteen and a half years old. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Rehovot, near his relative, Captain Yarin Gahali, who also fell in Gaza. After his death, he was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
On Afik’s tombstone, the words were engraved: “Beloved son, brave warrior, and brother to Almog and Agam; we will always remember you and love you forever.“
