'In life, we regret the things we don't do': Remembering Master Sgt. Nadav Knoller
Some people simply cannot be defined or confined to a mold. They embrace life with such intensity that every room they enter immediately fills with light, laughter and energy. Such was Master Sgt. Nadav Knoller, a soldier in the 8th Brigade who fell in battle in the Gaza Strip on July 1, 2024, at the age of 30. Nadav is survived by his wife, Hadar, their young son, Yair, and left behind a loving family and friends, along with the enduring legacy of a man who refused to waste a single moment.
A love of nature and an entrepreneurial spirit
Nadav was the middle child in his family, and from an early age, he was full of energy, joy and endless curiosity. Always on the move, he loved working with his hands and exploring Israel's natural landscapes. His friends recall how they once started raising goats together, dreaming of becoming shepherds.
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Alongside his love of nature, Nadav had an entrepreneurial streak. He was constantly thinking of ways to improve things, launch new initiatives and turn ideas into reality. His guiding motto throughout his life was simple: "In life, we regret the things we don't do." He divided his time among countless projects, trips and social gatherings, treating everyone he met, whether he had known them for five years or five minutes, as though they were his closest friend.
The soldier who refused to give up
Nadav's determination was also evident when he enlisted in the IDF. He was determined to serve in the infantry but was assigned to the Armored Corps instead. Unwilling to accept the decision, he arrived at the military induction center and refused to budge. The army eventually assigned him to the Netzah Yehuda Battalion of the Kfir Brigade.
Nadav soon realized the unit was not the right fit for him and came up with an unusual plan. He told his commanders he was not religious, although he continued to put on tefillin in secret, "for Grandpa." His secret was exposed during a military ceremony when his battalion commander removed his beret to replace it with a new one, revealing the kippah hidden underneath. His commanders realized he had misled them, but his persistence ultimately paid off. He was transferred to the Kfir Brigade's Shimshon Battalion, where he finally found the meaningful and fulfilling military service he had wanted.
'The most easygoing, wonderful dad'
The birth of his son, Yair, brought Nadav immense joy. He was a loving, easygoing father who embraced parenthood without fuss and enjoyed every moment of it. "I don't understand why parents make such a big deal out of it. I'm already ready for another child," he would tell Hadar with a smile. He would do anything for his family, always putting Hadar and Yair first.
When war broke out on Oct. 7, Nadav and his family were visiting relatives in the United States. He did not hesitate for a moment. He spent the entire night battling with airlines to secure a flight back to Israel. As soon as he landed, he headed straight north. Over the following months, he completed more than 200 days of reserve duty across multiple fronts, serving in the north, the communities surrounding Gaza and inside the Gaza Strip. In his final battle, while moving between positions in the Gaza Strip, Nadav was serving as the squad leader. He and the deputy company commander were the last to secure the entrance to a building to protect their fellow soldiers when an explosive device detonated, killing them both.
Do and smile
The devastating news reached the family at 5 a.m., with loud knocks on the door that changed their lives forever. Yet even amid their grief, Nadav's legacy continues to touch the lives of others. After his death, his family learned that he had signed an Adi organ donor card, and his corneas were donated to help restore the sight of others. His workplace honored him by naming its headquarters after him, while a close friend named his newborn son in Nadav's memory.
Hadar, his widow, is determined to ensure that young Yair grows up knowing who his father was and how he gave his life defending his country. She wears a necklace engraved with two Hebrew words that sum up Nadav's approach to life: "Do and smile." The words capture the spirit of a man who lived with boundless energy, passion and joy, and who would have wanted his loved ones to continue embracing life and finding happiness, even after his death.
Master Sgt. Nadav Knoller, 8th Brigade, fell in battle on July 1, 2024, at the age of 30.
May his memory be a blessing.
Master sergeant
Nadav Knoller