He always put others before himself: Farewell to heroic paratrooper Bar Yankilov
Sgt. Bar Yankilov, the youngest child of Batya and the brother of two older sisters, was the family's prince. From childhood, he stood out for his humility, values and radiant smile. He was a quiet boy who never demanded special attention, yet always showed a deep sensitivity to those around him. As his mother, Batya, recalls, even in elementary school, Bar knew how to notice the shy, quiet child in the classroom and naturally befriended him, with the quiet compassion that characterizes truly exceptional people.
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Bar felt a deep connection to nature and the outdoors. After playing in a volleyball league, he began searching for something more meaningful and decided to attend the Nautical College of Akko. There, he fell in love with the sea, which became one of his greatest passions. For him, sitting by the waves was better than any luxury hotel. His love of simplicity and nature was also evident on his 18th birthday: When his family gave him a car as a gift, his biggest smile came when he opened the trunk and discovered the coffee kit his father had prepared for him.
Alongside his deep love for his girlfriend, Eliya, with whom he dreamed of starting a family, Bar was driven by a passion for meaningful military service and command. He trained relentlessly for combat service, in summer, winter and rain, with the goal of building a military career. When he enlisted in the Paratroopers Brigade, he was immensely proud and declared, "I've found my place."
His commander, A., said Bar had been slated for command and sniper courses. When circumstances required him to first remain with a command platoon to gain additional operational experience, Bar embraced the assignment wholeheartedly and continued giving it his all. "He was the kind of soldier every combat commander dreams of," A. recalled. "Always volunteering, always looking for ways to help his friends. For him, protecting the country was everything."
On the Black Saturday of Oct. 7, 2023, during the final weekend of his squad commanders' course at the Infantry Corps School, Bar and his comrades were among the first troops rushed to the Gaza border area. They reached Re'im Junction and from there continued to Kibbutz Kissufim, where they found themselves, a force of roughly 12 to 14 soldiers, facing hundreds of terrorists.
When his best friend was wounded before his eyes, Bar did not hesitate for a moment. Driven by his determination to engage the enemy and his profound devotion to his friend, Bar charged forward to save him. In that fierce battle, he fell a hero. He was 19.5. "He didn't live for himself. He was always there for everyone around him," his commander said.
Today, Bar is commemorated in a dedicated corner of the playground near his home in Karmiel, where he grew up. For his mother, Batya, preserving his memory is not only about pain and longing, but also a mission of educating future generations to learn from his example and understand that even in difficult times, it is possible, and necessary, to be a good person, just like Bar.
Sgt. Bar Yankilov of the Paratroopers Brigade was killed on Oct. 7, 2023. He was 19.5.
May his memory be a blessing.
Sergeant
Bar Yankilov