Last week, the parents of Israel Nathan Rosenfeld visited his grave at the military cemetery in Ra’anana to mark one year since his death. Rosenfeld was 20 when he fell on 3 Tammuz 5785, June 29, 2025. In their tribute, the family asked the public to unite in his memory and in memory of other fallen soldiers.
The parents said the shock has eased somewhat, but they still face constant reminders of their son. They described a daily struggle with pain and tears, while choosing to keep doing good deeds in his name and for the Jewish people. “There is frustration with the situation, but on the other hand we want to do good things in the name of my son and in the name of all the fallen, a kind of strengthening the nation,” they said.
Over the past year, they traveled to the United States, Canada, South Africa and England, where they spoke about Nathan to thousands of people, from students to Jewish communities, in an effort to encourage them. They said people asked whether they regretted making aliyah or how they kept their faith after the loss. Their answer was that they owe it to the soldiers who were killed to represent them and ensure they are not forgotten.
They remembered Rosenfeld as someone who loved life, smiled constantly and was known wherever he went. They said he changed at mechina and in the army, and that his life seemed devoted to fighting for Israel. The family said they almost daily look at his memory and promise to do good, and they urged more peace, unity and less criticism among Israelis.
