Iftah Yavetz

Son of Shira and Gilad. He was born on the 9th of Adar I, 5760 (February 14, 2000). He grew up in Ramat HaSharon in a unique family that included four parents — Shira and Amos, Gilad and Naomi — and was a brother to Michal, Tamar, Yael, Ella, and Dan.

Before his enlistment in the army, Yiftach chose to give up his status as an “Outstanding Athlete” in order to serve in an elite combat unit. He enlisted in Maglan Unit, completed the training track as a fighter, and later commanded soldiers as a squad commander. He went on to officers’ training and graduated as the battalion’s outstanding officer. Yiftach returned to the Maglan Unit, where he commanded “Team Yaavetz,” and was later appointed the unit’s Operations Officer.

Yiftach read extensively and loved to express himself through writing. After his death, his family discovered many passages he had kept from books he loved, along with reflections, thoughts, and blessings he had written himself. Alongside his deep love for the army and for the Maglan Unit in which he served, Yiftach knew how to draw profound meaning from a hike in nature, from a beautiful sunrise or sunset. For a spring he had not yet immersed in, Yiftach was willing to do anything. Every beautiful book was a new peak in his eyes, and a performance by an artist he loved — whose songs he knew by heart — was an event that could make him forget every hardship.
Above all, what mattered most to Yiftach were his family members, his friends, and the people around him.

On October 7, 2023, Yiftach and Major Chen Buchris, the deputy commander of the unit, were chosen to lead the breaching force to Nahal Oz. At the outskirts of the kibbutz, they encountered a large terrorist force. In the heroic battle they fought, Yiftach, Major Chen Buchris, and Staff Sergeant Afik Rosenthal were killed. Thanks to their rapid response, determination to engage the enemy, and the bravery of the force, a large massacre in the kibbutz was prevented and the lives of many of its residents were saved.

In July 2023, just before departing for Operation House and Garden in Jenin — an operation for which he had prepared for months — Yiftach entrusted a farewell letter to a close friend, asking him to deliver it to his parents if things were to go wrong. Yiftach completed the operation safely and was even awarded the title of “Outstanding Officer” for his role in the mission. His friend kept the letter safe, but tragic fate led him to deliver it to Yiftach’s parents three months later, after Yiftach fell in a heroic battle while rescuing the residents of Nahal Oz.

“Many thoughts run through my head — why us, why now, why there. There’s tension in the air, and also dark humor about who will return and who won’t. Many reminders: work slowly, stay alert, keep scanning at all times. We know what we are heading into. The enemy knows the terrain and is preparing surprises for us.

Soon we will stand in the staging areas for a final briefing before departure, with a clear understanding (at least for me) that we are heading into an operation from which not all of us will return. Even so, I look back and to my sides, and I feel very confident in us. We are sharp, we prepared well, and we have already been in this area several times.

I try to imagine the coming hours. To lead this effort, to be there first in the most complex part — this is exactly what you raised me to do. And when the thoughts wander — why us and why now — this is what I think about, and suddenly the answer becomes very clear to me. To fight for this land, to lead this unit — this is not extraordinary heroism. It is the standard. And if I had to sculpt my life again, I would not change a thing. I love you.”

Yiftach stood out as a leader throughout his life and left behind many texts he wrote, which he shared with his fighters, his friends, and all who loved him.

The depth of his thoughts, the clarity of his understanding, and the moral integrity in his words continue to touch the hearts of teenagers, young adults, and older generations alike.

Yiftach’s character and spirit continue to beat and shine today in the hearts and minds of many.