Soldier's parents: He died in vain
Family, friends mourn death of Sergeant Nadav Rotenberg, 20, who was killed Friday by a stray IDF mortar shell at Gaza border. 'I told him to take care of himself, but he laughed,' says Nadav's girlfriend
On Friday, Yehudit and Dror Rotenberg were planning to celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary. However, their celebration was cut short when IDF representatives arrived at the family home in Ramot Hashavim and told them their 20-year-old son, Nadav, was killed by friendly fire on the Gaza border.
Nadav's parents on Saturday said their son died in vain. "How can stray shells hit our soldiers," wondered his mother.
"He excelled in everything. That's why the army wanted to keep him in the paratroopers," said Nadav's mother.
Nadav planned to follow in his father's footsteps and enlist into the Sayeret Tzanchanim ("Airborne Special Troops Battalion"). However, after he was injured in training, he had to "make do" with the paratroopers brigade.
"As far as he was concerned if he wasn’t in the Sayeret like his father, it was a complete failure for him," his mother recalled.
Three months ago Nadav fractured his leg during a night parachute jump. "He told us that because he jumped first, he had to mark the 'T', and although his leg was fractured, he got to the spot and marked it for his other friends, who jumped after him,' said a family member.
'Wanted to follow in father's footsteps.' Nadav's parents (Photo: Ido Erez)
Nadav's mother, Yehudit, said her son stayed at home for two-and-a-half months due to his injury. "He was an active kid and despite his broken leg he built a chicken shed in the backyard of the house.
After his leg healed, Nadav returned to the base. His mother recalled that the civil doctor forbade him from returning to full combat service, "But he didn't show them his medical note. He didn’t want an administrative position. He wanted to be with his fighter friends," she added.
Friends, family mourn Nadav (Photo: Ido Erez)
Nadav's girlfriend Tal Kimlov said she called him on Friday afternoon – about half an hour before he was killed. Nadav told her that he was on emergency squad and that he was sleeping.
"He promised to get back to me but now he never will," said Tal tearfully.
Nadav's friends at family house (Photo: Ido Erez)
"Our conversations were always cheerful – he was always happy when he was in the army. I told him a few days ago to take care of himself, but he laughed at me," she recalled.
Nadav's mother said her son was eager to contribute to the State. "He always said 'I want to fight, but I don't want to die.'"
According to family members, Nadav had big plans for the future. "From a young age he worked hard to make money. At the age of six he already collected pecans and helped his farmer neighbor.
"He was always active. He planned to buy houses, fix them up and sell them. He also promised his sister, Naama, that when she opens her bakery he will run it for her."
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