Lior Siminovich

The eldest son of Yafit and Yaron. Born and raised in Herzliya. Brother to Omri.

Lior enlisted in August 2022 to the Givati Brigade and completed a combat training course, after which he joined the Tzabar Battalion.

He stood out for his optimism, calmness, wisdom, excelled in everything he touched, with a smile that never left his face, his sense of humor, modesty, his unique ability to be a good person and friend, always helping and being loved by everyone who knew him.

From a very young age, Lior engaged in various sports and was very athletic, strong and fit. Among other things, he studied judo for several years and was in the Hapoel Herzliya group, and always loved playing soccer. In addition, Lior participated in “Five Fingers” – a combination of training in preparation for combat service with a strong emphasis on values.

His friends say he had a strong desire to contribute to his country in every way and that he carried out every mission with great dedication. Lior was an outstanding fighter, devoted, professional and skilled, full of motivation to serve a meaningful combat service. Throughout his service, he participated in various operational events and played an important role in defending the State of Israel and its citizens. He was also loved by everyone in the army.

Lior was trained on the Namer (armored personnel carrier) and was the most excellent, professional, and skilled machine gunner (in soldiers’ language: he did “X’s”).

A few days before the disaster, Lior proudly told his family that the commander asked for his Namer to enter Gaza first, because he trusted him the most.

Lior fell in battle in Gaza in the Namer disaster, during Operation Iron Swords on October 31, 2023.

There were 12 soldiers in the Namer, of which 11 were killed. The only survivor was the Namer’s driver, Daniel, who was Lior’s best friend.