Master Sgt. Liran Mones Almosnino, a fighter in the LOTAR unit of the Nitzana region, was killed in a heroic battle on Oct. 7, 2023. He was 42. Through the eyes of his mother, brothers and wife, he is remembered as a man who was a “nature boy” in every sense, who turned dreams into reality and gave his life defending the country he loved.
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Childhood at a military base and love of the land
Almosnino’s roots were deeply tied to nature and wide open spaces. His mother, Sheri, said: “Liran was born at the Hatzor Air Base. He was a curious child, very brave, not afraid of anything. Life on the base shaped who he became, characterized by freedom and nature.”
His brothers, Shahar and Chen, added that from a young age he was “a wonderful child with the sweetest smile, radiating kindness. He was an inseparable part of us, always pulled into adventures, and very talented.” Alongside his abilities and strong aesthetic sense, Almosnino was deeply connected to the land. “For him, post-army travel wasn’t South America,” his mother recalled. “It was hiking the Israel National Trail. He was a child who simply loved the country.”
A warrior at heart
Almosnino served in the Givati Brigade and took part in reserve duty during the Second Lebanon War. When the LOTAR counterterrorism unit was formed in the Nitzana region, it was clear to him that this was where he belonged. His brother described his commitment: “He was completely devoted. If he knew he had to do something, it was 100%.”
The dream realized in the Negev
Alongside his military service, Almosnino dreamed of raising sheep. He studied agriculture at the Faculty of Agriculture, where he met his wife, Efrat. “It was love at first sight,” Efrat said. “By the end of our first date, I already knew: I had found what my soul was looking for.”
Almosnino embraced Efrat’s son, Guy, as his firstborn, and together they later had four more children. In 2015, the family moved to Moshav Kmehin and established their own flock. “I want to be a shepherd,” he told Efrat simply.
The final battle on Oct. 7
On the morning of what would become known as Black Saturday, Almosnino was already prepared. He and his unit were the first organized force to arrive and engage in combat in the area. After intense fighting, they continued toward Kibbutz Holit. “Liran identified an ambush inside the orchard,” his brother said. “They came under fire from well-positioned Nukhba terrorists. At a certain point, Liran was hit by a sniper bullet and was killed instantly.”
Legacy: “To keep moving forward”
The pain of his loss is immense, but his family says they choose to hold on to the path he set. “He lived his dream,” his brother said. “Very few people manage to turn a dream into reality.” His mother added: “He left behind a legacy of love for the land and love for people. Young people are following his light and his path.”
For Efrat, his legacy is a guiding force: “For him, it was an unbreakable rule: you must keep looking forward, you don’t stop. The longing becomes something you carry with you, but he left us strong. He left us a legacy of a life without fear.”
Sgt. Maj. (res.) Liran Mones Almosnino, LOTAR Nitzana, was killed on Oct. 7, 2023. He was 42.
May his memory be a blessing.
Sergeant Major
Liran Mones Almosnino