Michael, Mike, Mikey, Ben Hamo
Fell in battle at Kibbutz Kisufim on Oct. 7, 23, two days before his discharge from the IDF and about two weeks before his 22nd birthday.
Michael, a sergeant in a sniper squad, who that morning served as the commander of the reconnaissance force, went out with his soldiers to confront numerous terrorist fireteams that had infiltrated Israeli territory, understanding that this was a war for home and for the State of Israel he loved so much. Michael and his soldiers fought bravely to protect the residents of Kibbutz Kisufim and the soldiers of the Kisufim outpost. They managed to eliminate some of the terrorist fireteams and delay the rest long enough, which allowed the outpost to prepare and not fall. In this battle, the fighter Adi Zur z”l was also killed.
Michael was educated at the Amit Amichai Yeshiva in Rehovot, then continued to the “Meytarim Lachish – Beit Guvrin” Pre-military preparatory program and to the “Arava Institute” in Ein Yahav, where he worked in agriculture for about half a year until his enlistment in Golani. In the Golani course, he was a company-level outstanding trainee at the end of the training and went on to become a commander. He was a commander admired by all his soldiers who testify that he instilled values and spirit in them, and used to give them creative punishments, instead of hours on leave, such as learning about a fallen soldier from the unit and sharing his story with the other soldiers.
Michael was someone whose values led him as a person, commander, and fighter. Those around him felt that just being by Michael’s side made them improve and elevate themselves. Humble and sensitive, who always thought of others before himself, loved our country, and was willing to do anything for it.
In a journal found after his death, Michael wrote:
“My Ancestors dreamed of reaching the moment when they defend the State of Israel, and I am about to reach that privilege”.
“I hope that one day I will prove that I will do everything for the country, beyond giving everything and risking everything for my teammates”
We will forever remember you and all that you were.
