The smile that will never fade: The story of Capt. Yaron Eliezer Chitiz
Capt. Yaron Eliezer Chitiz, a deputy company commander in the Givati Brigade, was killed in combat in the northern Gaza Strip on Dec. 26, 2023, at the age of 23. Yaron, who left behind a loving and supportive family, embodied a rare combination of strong military leadership, gentleness, humility and an infectious smile that rarely left his face.
'He was an amazing kid'
Yaron was an old-fashioned kind of kid who loved life's simplest pleasures: hiking, playing, eating and spending time surrounded by his family. “He took the best qualities from everyone and became an amazing kid,” his mother, Debbie, recalls. As a teenager and later as a soldier, he consistently stood out for his natural leadership abilities.
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He enlisted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and his exceptional abilities quickly became apparent. He was sent to command training and officer training earlier than usual, becoming the first officer in his family. As a commander, he knew how to balance uncompromising professionalism with genuine compassion. He looked after lone soldiers and could effortlessly shift from utmost seriousness to laughter and jokes with the troops under his command.
One last surprise
When the Iron Swords war broke out, Yaron took command and led his soldiers through some of the most challenging moments of the fighting. In late November, after approximately 80 consecutive days of combat, he surprised his mother with a brief visit home. A video of their emotional reunion went viral on social media, touching the hearts of many.
The family enjoyed one final weekend together, filled with love, soccer and laughter. Just three days later, Yaron returned to the front and was killed in combat in Gaza City's Daraj Tuffah neighborhood. “We have one life before Dec. 26 and another life since,” his father, Clive, says with sorrow.
'I feel privileged to take part in defending my homeland'
After his death, Yaron's family discovered a deeply moving letter he had written to himself on WhatsApp on Nov. 5, a message that would become his spiritual will. Blending his distinctive sense of humor with a deep love for Israel, he wrote: “Who's supposed to teach 23-year-old kids how to write a letter like this? ... I feel privileged to take part in defending my country ... I feel that I'm part of the history being written right now.”
Yaron thanked his family for instilling in him the values of kindness, compassion and love for Israel. He ended with a half-joking request that they not embarrass him and that they send the letter to Israeli comedian and writer Hanoch Daum. That request ultimately led to efforts to commemorate his life and the publication of a book in his memory.
Today, his family is trying to pick up the pieces and choose life, just as Yaron would have wanted. His mother, an open-water swimmer, dedicates her swims to him and honors his memory by wearing a special swim cap bearing the words “You'll never swim alone,” inspired by the anthem of his beloved soccer team. “His memory obligates us to live and enjoy life,” his parents say.
Yaron's remarkable smile, leadership and kindness will continue to light the way for those who loved him and for the country he gave his life to defend.
Capt. Yaron Eliezer Chitiz of the Givati Brigade was killed in action on Dec. 26, 2023, at the age of 23.
May his memory be a blessing.
Captain
Yaron Eliezer Chitiz