Family Urges Public to Attend Funeral of Soldier Alexander Filin

The family of Sgt. Alexander Filin is asking the public to come to his funeral in Haifa on Sunday at 12:00 p.m., fearing that few of his comrades will be able to attend because of military service. Filin was killed in combat in Lebanon last Thursday.

Filin, who immigrated to Israel alone from Ukraine, was widely noted for his bravery after stopping a stabbing attack and saving a fellow soldier. He built a new life in Israel and saw army service as a supreme calling.

His family, described as small, said they do not want him to be buried alone. “We are turning to everyone who can, come and pay respect to a hero of Israel,” they said. “Do not let him go on his final journey alone.”