“What your inner voice says is your truth.”: Farewell to Sgt. First Class Adi Eldor
Adi Eldor was a “child of happiness,” his mother, Rakefet, describes in simple words that hold a world of meaning. He was the eldest son, “her whole world” from the moment he was born, the admired older brother, and an outstanding soldier in the elite Maglan unit. He died in battle in Khan Yunis on Feb. 11, 2024, at age 21, leaving behind a grieving family, lifelong friends, and a personal diary that exposed depths no one knew.
1 / 6
A childhood of sports, scouts, and the sea
Born in Haifa, Adi stood out early for his physical presence and energy. “Tall, strong, muscular,” Rakefet recalled. “He loved every sport; he excelled at whatever he tried.” His brother, Ori, described an inseparable bond: “We were very close, always together… he was a typical big brother who teases you a lot.”
Beyond his family, the Scouts movement was central to Adi’s life. From the Reali school in Haifa to the local scout troop, he was always there. “He was mainly in the Scouts,” his mother remembered. “In elementary, junior high, and high school.” Close friend Roy Hocholod, who has known him since 7th grade, said the Scouts were “like a school, like a second home.” There, his personality flourished as he was surrounded by friends, loved the sea, surfing, and freedom.
Thriving in Maglan
Adi’s drive for meaningful combat service was innate. He trained rigorously with his peers, doing crawling drills, running along the beach, and engaging in physical and mental preparation. The effort paid off when he was accepted into the elite Maglan unit. “He was accepted into Maglan; he was ecstatic,” Rakefet said. “He thrived in the army. He understood the importance and the weight of responsibility.”
During his service, he completed a combat medic course, adding a layer of maturity to his energetic character. His commander, identified only as H., recalled appointing him as team sergeant: “There was something in him that seemed suited for the role. He was responsible and very mature. As a sergeant, he made sure no one was left behind.”
Even within the strict military system, Adi remained himself. “He always knew how to lift spirits,” Ori recalled. “No matter how grim the situation… he could always say something to make everyone laugh.” Commander H. added, “When Adi walked into a room, he brought a different energy; he brought lightness and fun.”
The black Shabbat and the Gaza fighting
On the morning of Oct. 7, Adi was home on leave. At 6:30 a.m., as explosions began, he already knew what to do. “He put his hand on us, saying, ‘Dad, Mom, I’ve been called up, I’m going,’” Rakefet recalled.
His commander tasked him with quickly organizing his team, a mission he executed “amazingly,” soon finding himself in the thick of intense fighting in the village of Kfar Aza. Later, he and his unit entered Khan Yunis, fighting for two months under harsh conditions. “They worked very hard, didn’t eat, long hours of combat,” Ori said. Adi and his team were always at the front, in unsecure areas.
Six weeks before he fell, Adi took a brief break at home. “I didn’t know how to contain my happiness,” his mother said. During the visit, he chose quiet time with friends and family. When his grandfather asked if he needed help, Adi reassured him with a smile: “Don’t worry, Grandpa, everything’s fine. We are the most skilled team… nothing will happen, everyone will return safely.”
The final battle and the diary left behind
On Feb. 11, 2024, during an operation in Khan Yunis, Adi and his team seized a building. While moving to secure overnight positions, RPGs were fired at them. “Adi and Alon Kleinman ran first into the room to help extinguish a fire,” Ori recounted of his brother’s bravery. Another rocket struck the ceiling, and Adi was killed instantly by the blast. He was scheduled for release just two weeks later.
The bitter news reached the family that evening. “They were waiting for us at the gate,” Rakefet said painfully. “You can’t accept something like that.”
After his death, the family discovered a small treasure: a personal diary Adi had written “from the heart.” “No one had any idea,” his mother said. “He wrote things I never imagined he could write.” On the first page, he penned a sentence that became his unwritten legacy: “What your inner voice says is your truth.”
The longing and the legacy
The loss is heart-wrenching. His friend Roy reflects on the stage when the group begins real life: trips, studies, relationships, and Adi is gone. Yet his legacy, a legacy of joy, responsibility, and loyal friendship, continues to resonate.
“Live life, enjoy it, do the things you love, be with the people you love,” his commander summarized the lesson he learned from Adi. For family and friends, Adi Eldor will always remain that “child of happiness,” the sergeant who ensured no one was left behind, the soldier whose inner voice always led him in the path of truth.
Sgt. First Class Adi Eldor, Maglan unit, fell in combat on Feb. 11, 2024, at age 21.
May his memory be a blessing.
Sergeant First Class
Adi Eldor