Corporal Netanel Yahalomi
'Netanel insisted on serving as a fighter'
Family of Corporal Netanel Yahalomi learns of his death in Egypt border attack several hours before Shabbat. 'He died so we could live,' says his sister. 'He refused to let us know where he served so that we wouldn't worry'
The family of Corporal Netanel Yahalomi, who was killed in a terror attack on the Israel- Egypt border Friday afternoon, lives in the religious community of Nof Ayalon. The family members received the tragic news several hours before Shabbat, when the community rabbi and IDF representatives arrived at their house.
Related stories:
"Netanel was born in Bnei Brak, and then we moved to Nof Ayalon," said his father, Shmuel Yahalomi. "He was a Torah student at the Mitzpe Yeriho Yeshiva. "He insisted on serving in a combat unit and joined the Artillery Corps, where I also served."
The father added that Netanel used to study Torah even during his vacations.
Relatives and friends broke into tears as they entered the Yahalomi house on Friday afternoon. Netanel's sister, Avital, said: "He went to defend the State and land. That is what he fought and was killed for. He died so we could live here. It was not an unnecessary death. God will give us the power to cope."
Corporal Yahalomi was survived by his parents and five siblings. His family spoke of an uncompromising person who fought for justice. "He was a smart and successful guy, and helped everyone in whichever way he could."
His sister Avital noted that Netanel had refused to tell the family where he served. "It was important to him to keep it secret and he didn't want us to worry either."
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
