Quiet strength, humility and courage: Remembering Sgt. Matan Abargil
Sgt. Matan Abargil, a soldier in the Golani Brigade, fell in battle at Kibbutz Nir Am on Oct. 7, 2023, at just 19 years old. The youngest child in his family, Matan will be remembered above all for his generous heart, humility and extraordinary sensitivity to those around him. From childhood through his military service, Matan was known for putting others before himself. Quiet and modest, with a gentle smile and a kind heart, he was also a determined soldier whose optimism never faded.
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He threw himself on a grenade
On Oct. 7, as the Namer armored personnel carrier in which he was fighting was disabled under heavy fire from dozens of terrorists, Matan displayed remarkable leadership and composure. When a fragmentation grenade was thrown into the vehicle, he did not hesitate; he threw himself onto the grenade, shielding it with his body and saving the lives of his fellow soldiers inside. His final words to his commander and comrades were: "Tell everyone I tried to save the team and the people."
Matan left behind an unwritten testament to mutual responsibility, love for others and boundless generosity. His memory and the example he set will remain etched in the hearts of those who knew him, a lasting source of light, strength and inspiration.
Sgt. Matan Abargil, Golani Brigade, fell in battle on Oct. 7, 2023, at the age of 19.
May his memory be a blessing.
Sergeant
Matan Abargil