Still waters run deep: Remembering Sgt. Adir Tahar, the soldier who made his mark quietly
There are people whose presence in a room is measured not by the noise they make, but by the inner strength they radiate. Such was Sgt. Adir Tahar, a Golani Brigade soldier who was killed in the battle at the Erez Crossing on Oct. 7, 2023, at just 19.
Described by his family and friends with the phrase “still waters run deep,” Adir left behind an enormous void, but also an indelible legacy of humility, extraordinary generosity and remarkable courage.
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The pure-hearted boy who looked out for the vulnerable
From childhood, Adir was known for his extraordinary sensitivity and kind heart. His father, David, remembers an intelligent, smiling boy who, from an early age, showed deep concern for those who were vulnerable or struggling.
His brother Oz recalls an extraordinary incident from third grade, when Adir asked his parents to adopt a classmate who lacked a stable family support system. His parents even began the application process before another family ultimately completed the adoption.
For his friends, Adir was an anchor of reassuring calm. His friend Tomer Azulai recalls the unique way Adir would support someone who had had a difficult day: “He would tell me, ‘No problem. We’ll sit and we’ll be quiet.’”
That shared silence, which sometimes lasted for as long as an hour, provided strength and comfort without the need for words. His friend Ariel Tair Baba adds that Adir knew how to treat everyone as an equal and lift up those around him with remarkable humility.
“As combat-focused as it gets”
During high school, Adir developed a strong desire to serve and defend his country. He initially went through the selection process for pilot training and passed the first stage, but later chose a different path, opting for combat service in the Golani Brigade.
He developed tremendous pride in his unit and was exceptionally well liked by both his fellow soldiers and his commanders, a rare distinction that his officers specifically noted.
His unwavering determination was perhaps best demonstrated during his beret march, the grueling trek soldiers complete before receiving their brigade beret. Adir undertook it despite a severe sprain and badly swollen leg. Without complaining and while taking painkillers every two hours, he completed the demanding march, finishing with a smile on his face, elated.
A battle against dozens of terrorists
On the dark morning of Oct. 7, Adir found himself on the front line at the Erez Crossing, facing dozens of terrorists from Hamas’ elite Nukhba force.
Combat footage reveals extraordinary courage. Adir was wounded when a first missile struck the protective shelter he was standing behind and he was hit by shrapnel from three grenades. Yet he continued fighting with determination until a second missile killed him.
“He fought until his very last second,” his friend says. His brother stresses that had it not been for the heroic stand made by Adir and his fellow soldiers, the terrorists could have advanced much farther into Israel.
“Before Oct. 7, we thought this was a generation of TikTok and Instagram,” his father, David, says with both pain and pride. “After that day, you realize that without this generation, we wouldn’t even be able to have this conversation.”
Today, his family and friends are working to preserve his legacy through the Adir BaMarom nonprofit organization, which will assist children from low-income families and at-risk youth, in keeping with the values and vision Adir lived by.
Adir’s sun may have set, but as his friend Ariel puts it, his light has not gone out. He continues to accompany those who love him from above, reminding them that even in profound quiet, a person can leave an enormous mark on the world.
Sgt. Adir Tahar, Golani Brigade, was killed on Oct. 7, 2023, at age 19.
May his memory be a blessing.
Sergeant
Adir Tahar