Tomer Golan

Son of Einat Rachel and Yuval. Born on 7 Tishrei 5767 – September 29, 2006, in Rishon LeZion. Younger brother of Shay.

“Tomer was born close to Yom Kippur,” his parents wrote, “a day some see as a time of renewal and rebirth, and Tomer was full of innocence and purity of heart. Anyone who knew him experienced the great love within him, his charm, his gentleness, and his compassionate eyes that always looked at the world with kindness.”

Tomer grew up and was educated in Rishon LeZion. He attended the Yefe Nof elementary school and later the six-year Makif Yud-Bet HaMaayan campus. He was an outstanding student who loved science subjects and excelled in English. In middle school he studied in a Mofet excellence program, and later joined a software engineering track that combined programming with physics and mathematics.

“Tomer was like sunshine in the classroom,” his homeroom teacher wrote. “A model student who always stepped forward to help anyone, whether he knew them or not.”

In his free time he trained in tennis and swimming and occasionally competed, but as he grew older he devoted himself increasingly to art and emerged as a gifted painter and creator. He especially admired the work of animator and director Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli, drawing inspiration from his style. He created detailed drawings of expressive characters and imaginative landscapes, and also spent countless hours carefully cutting, folding, and coloring paper figures.

When he wasn’t creating, he enjoyed watching animated series, listening to music, and playing video and board games with close friends. His friends said he was always there for them – offering advice, support, and encouragement, and lifting their spirits when they were down. He had deep insight, wisdom, and exceptional emotional intelligence, which allowed him to build meaningful relationships. His family shared that trying to capture his essence in words felt like trying to hold water in one’s hands – he was flowing, deep, clear, calm and stormy at once.

On weekends and holidays he spent long hours at his grandparents’ home with his cousins, to whom he was deeply connected. They invented games, filmed funny skits, and the younger ones admired him greatly. He made everyone feel they belonged.

With his older sister Shay, he shared a unique bond beyond words. They understood each other through a glance alone. He had a close relationship with his parents as well, and shared a love of cooking with his mother. Together they kept a handwritten family recipe notebook with dishes they had tried and loved.

On Fridays, he often cooked lunch for the family on his own. He loved improvising in the kitchen – combining ingredients intuitively, preparing stir-fried vegetables or pasta dishes in his own creative style.

His dream was to study art and animation professionally in Japan and create his own anime series. He also had a great love in his life, and he and his partner planned to build a future together.

On December 3, 2024, Tomer enlisted in the IDF and was assigned to the Artillery Corps, where he began basic training. His battalion commander wrote that even in a short time it was clear he was a special soldier – humble, caring, and devoted to his friends. Fellow recruits said he was an integral part of the group, always encouraging and strengthening others.

After three weeks of training at the Shizafon base, he was identified as having high potential for a different role and was reassigned for new placement. On December 22, 2024, he began basic training again at the Nitzanim training base near Ashkelon. From the first moment he stood out with charisma and leadership, surrounded by friends and admired by all. He strove for excellence, volunteered first, and carried out every task with determination.

On Sunday, December 29, 2024, a fatal accident occurred when a bus struck a bus stop in Ashkelon where Tomer was waiting for transportation to base. He was killed on the spot, just one week after restarting his training.

Private Tomer Golan fell in the line of duty on 28 Kislev 5785 – December 29, 2024. He was 18 years and three months old. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Rishon LeZion. He is survived by his parents and sister. After his death, he was posthumously promoted to Corporal.

His mother, Einat, eulogized him: “Those who did not know you cannot understand the magnitude of this loss. As a child you built worlds, created endlessly, and as you grew we saw that you didn’t only dream – you fulfilled your dreams in your quiet way. Whenever you set a goal, you pursued it until you achieved it.”

His father, Yuval, wrote: “You brought into the world innocence and compassion, curiosity and learning, friendship and creativity rooted in talent, originality, depth, and perseverance. Above all, you brought pure, sincere love – to your family, your friends, your partner. You became a compass for us all, showing the way, and the way is good.”

Thirty days after his passing, his sister Shay said: “It fills the heart to see someone so connected to himself, living his truth without apology. You lived every day for what mattered to you – art, games, friends, music, cooking. You chose to see the good, but also knew how to face difficulty and grow from it. You were brave enough to live fully – to open your heart, to feel, to love.

We created our own language, beyond words. With a glance we said everything. Since you’re gone, I find myself searching for that look. Whenever something moves me, saddens me, or makes me laugh, I turn to share it with you – but you’re not there. And the tears come. I will keep looking for you forever.”

May his memory be a blessing.