He saved many lives: The story of Sgt. Nachman Dekel, the hero who fell in battle
Sgt. Nachman Dekel, an infantry soldier in the Nahal Brigade’s 50th Battalion, was 20 when he was killed in the heroic battle at the Sufa outpost on Oct. 7, 2023. He died as he had lived, with courage, unwavering determination and an endless concern for those around him.
The joyful, determined boy who was the leader of the family
From the time he was born, Nachman stood out as a sweet, curious and cheerful child, always with a smile on his face. His mother, Dganit, remembers a hardworking and ambitious boy who would not stop until he achieved his goals. “It was in his DNA,” she says.
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The only son among his sisters, Nachman was a pillar of strength for his family. He was always looking out for them, offering a hug and making sure everyone around him was happy and getting along.
Alongside his academic achievements, Nachman had an enormous heart and an exceptional capacity for compassion. He was especially sensitive to those who were vulnerable or lacked confidence, always making sure they felt included and protected. On more than one occasion, he also stepped in to help girls in distress. Caring for others was simply part of who Nachman was. He loved people.
Courage under fire at the Sufa outpost
Nachman brought his passion for life with him into his military service. When he enlisted, he was highly motivated and full of adrenaline, eager for challenges and driven by a strong sense of purpose.
When the Oct. 7 attack began at 6:30 a.m. at the Sufa outpost, his platoon was immediately called into action. After platoon commander Capt. Tal Levy was killed early in the fighting, Nachman understood the gravity of the situation and the responsibility that now rested on him.
When an RPG struck the guard post, Nachman took up a position at an angle facing the main entrance. Almost completely exposed, he repeatedly moved in and out of cover while engaging the attackers.
In the course of the battle, he killed dozens of terrorists, providing crucial covering fire that allowed wounded soldiers to be evacuated from the scene. Nachman continued fighting fiercely until he was seriously wounded in the abdomen. Only then did he retreat inside, where he was ultimately killed by the terrorists. His actions saved many lives.
His legacy: Find joy and do good
Nachman left behind a grieving but proud family and a clear legacy of compassion, generosity and joy for life. The values he passed on to those around him were simple: Keep smiling and finding joy even in the hardest moments, help others and live life with all your heart, just as he did every day of his own.
Sgt. Nachman Dekel, an infantry soldier in the Nahal Brigade, was killed in battle on Oct. 7, 2023. He was 20.
May his memory be a blessing.
Sergeant
Nachman Dekel