Singer Matan Hassan Overcome by Emotion During Performance Seeing Friend's Memorial Flag

Singer Matan Hassan, formerly of the undercover unit (Mista'arvim), became visibly emotional during a performance in Jerusalem on Monday when a flag honoring his late best friend, Sergeant First Class Baral Hadaria-Shmueli, was raised from the audience. Hassan shared a video of the moment on social media, expressing his shock and grief, stating, "Nothing prepared me to see from the stage the flag of my best friend. Baral, I miss you and feel you with every step."

The incident deeply moved Hassan, who was seen crying during the song. The singer's emotional display resonated with many online, with commenters offering words of support and encouragement, saying things like, "What a heart you have," and "He is proud of you for everything."

Baral Hadaria-Shmueli was killed on August 21, 2021, after being critically wounded by gunfire during violent riots at the Gaza border fence. He was shot in the head through an opening in the barrier by a terrorist. After fighting for his life for nine days at Soroka Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.

Previously, a letter written by Hadaria-Shmueli detailing his determination to join the Border Police despite initial security clearance issues was shared by his sister after his death. In the letter, he expressed his strong desire to serve in the highest possible combat role, stating, "If it's combat, then the highest there is. I decided I'm quitting soccer, I enlisted in combat fitness, I read about many units and decided that if it's combat, I'm aiming for the highest." He also mentioned facing initial refusals due to internal security classification but was determined to appeal.