Alexandr Filin, immigrant from Ukraine who foiled a stabbing attack, killed in southern Lebanon

Staff Sgt. Maj. Alexandr Filin, 29, from Haifa, was killed on Wednesday in southern Lebanon when an explosive device went off during a ground operation near the Litani River. He served in Division 36 and was moving on foot with a command post led by the division’s deputy commander. The army said the initial probe indicates an enemy explosive device, while the rest of the incident is still under investigation.

Several others were wounded. A combat officer, a reserve combat officer and another reserve soldier were moderately hurt, and a warrant officer, two reserve soldiers and a reserve female soldier were lightly wounded. All were evacuated to hospital and their families were notified. The incident took place around 5:00 p.m. Afterward, the IDF struck terror infrastructure in the area with artillery fire.

Filin had come to Israel alone from Ukraine 14 years ago through the Naale program. He enlisted in the IDF and in 2016, on Israel’s 70th Independence Day, received an outstanding service citation after stopping a stabbing attack at a checkpoint in Nablus, where he shot and neutralized an assailant who was trying to stab a friend. In interviews afterward, he said he had wanted to join an elite unit but was assigned to Nahal because his Hebrew and security clearance were not sufficient. He added, “I don’t feel lonely,” and, after the award, said, “I do not feel like a hero, I know this is the job, this is why I enlisted.”

Speaking then, he said he was helping defend civilians and the state, not “just standing on the border.” He also said he was in touch with his adoptive family in Herzliya when service became difficult, and that he preferred life in Israel to life in Ukraine. Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav expressed deep sorrow over his death and sent condolences to the family.