Itay Maor

Son of Ilan and Smadar, eldest brother to Liav, Nehorai, and Yonatan.

Born on 24 Cheshvan 5760 – November 3, 1999. He grew up and was educated in Rosh HaAyin. A sweet child who spread light, with a captivating smile and contagious laughter. Until sixth grade he studied at the religious elementary school Tzurim, and later at the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva High School in Givat Shmuel. He was a member of the Bnei Akiva youth movement at the Rosh HaAyin – Gvaot branch, in the Zion tribe, and later served there as a counselor.

Itay loved playing soccer with friends and was a fan of Maccabi Haifa.

He was modest and humble, gentle and pure-hearted, energetic and full of life, blessed with a warm smile and deep joy. Value driven and kind, always ready to help others, consistently placing the common good before his own. He never laughed at humiliation or gossip and would not stand aside in such moments. Love of the Land of Israel and love of Torah were rooted in his heart. He combined action with faith and spirituality – a person of Torah and work, speaking little and doing much.

Family was a guiding value in his life. He honored his parents and kept his siblings at the center of his attention. Whenever possible, even during short military leaves, he met with them, listened, and advised. Walks or bike rides in nature with a small coffee kit became a symbol of his special bonds with family, friends, and soldiers – moments of presence, sharing, and listening, always face to face and without phones.

A week before his enlistment, he went on a five day “sea to sea” trek from the Mediterranean to the Kinneret with his siblings, further strengthening their connection.

Before the army he insisted on meaningful combat service. Although he could have chosen a hesder track, he chose full service in order to contribute as much as possible. He enlisted in August 2020 after two years at the Otem preparatory academy. He passed selection for the Golani reconnaissance unit but remained in the battalion for unit distinction needs. He was named outstanding company soldier and went to squad commanders course with zero allocation. Four months before the end of his mandatory service he was offered officers course through brigade allocation. He struggled between his desire to build a personal home and his sense of national mission, and chose to continue serving out of responsibility to the country. He told one of his soldiers that marriage benefits the individual, while officer service benefits the entire people of Israel.

Itay was appointed platoon commander of the “Alon” platoon in a rifle company of the “First Breachers” battalion. He stood out as a sensitive, caring, and kind commander – devoted, without ego or pose, a personal example, admired by his soldiers. In difficult moments he lifted morale with song, a smile, and comforting words, showing calm strength. In his free time he listened to Torah lessons through his headphones.

He deeply believed in his ability as a commander to educate, influence, and raise a generation of fighters. He invested in conversations with his soldiers and instilled values of brotherhood, friendship, and love of the land. He made sure they studied past operations and wars and emphasized determination to engage the enemy. He was exacting in details, just as he was with himself, protected his soldiers’ rights, and when approaching his commanders on their behalf did so respectfully and pleasantly. He constantly wrote notes and reflections to himself, always striving to learn and improve – not for personal advancement, but to better defend the country.

When the Hamas attack began on Simchat Torah 5784, Itay led one of the first forces into heroic combat against dozens of terrorists, fighting with courage on two fronts.

In the first, he helped prevent many terrorists from infiltrating through the fence near Netiv HaAsara and contributed to their elimination. In the second, he encountered dozens more on their way toward Kibbutz Zikim and Karmiya, moved into contact, and fought bravely until his last breath, few against many. Through his bravery he saved the lives of many civilians and soldiers.

Captain Itay Maor, of blessed memory, fell in battle near Zikim on the morning of Simchat Torah, 22 Tishrei 5784 – October 7, 2023. He was 23 years old.

He gave his life for the mission that defined him – defending the homeland out of deep love for the land and the people.

May his memory be a blessing.