Thousands accompanied the burial procession of Sgt. Maj. Nave Chabashush, known as Nave Chabashush y”d, in an emotional funeral marked by eulogies from his family, commanders, friends, and community members. The ceremony opened with a painful address from his grandfather, Yehuda Chabashush, who said he could not grasp “what world we live in that a grandfather must bury his grandson,” and recalled that he had feared this moment since Nave was drafted into the Armored Corps.
Yehuda Chabashush said he believed God had chosen to share the family’s sacrifice for the people and the Land of Israel. He asked that Nave appear to him in a dream and tell him he is well, and said the family believes “the Holy One, blessed be He, only does good in His world,” even if they cannot understand it. He added that Nave should pray for his parents, sisters, and the rest of the family so they can bear the loss.
Binyamin Regional Council chief Israel Ganz described Nave as someone who wrote before enlistment about wanting to serve, contribute, and influence, because “this is why we came into the world.” He said Nave wanted to be meaningful wherever he served, chose to be a commander and a front-line fighter, and called on the public and leadership not to stop midway. Ganz noted that on the morning of the funeral, where a piece of an Iranian missile had stood weeks earlier, there was now Nave’s photo surrounded by memorial candles.
Representing the IDF, Lt. Col. Rotem Bornstein said Nave was an exceptionally professional and modest fighter, and that during the ongoing combat, Battalion 52 and Brigade 401 continue fighting against the enemy. He said many of Nave’s comrades would have been there in person if they were not still on mission. Nave’s close friend Bini Peskin recalled that Nave was always ready to help, saying he often heard him answer, “I’m coming,” and that he always did everything with a smile.
Golan Wilik, speaking for the Hashamba hikers’ community, said the family and their open, unifying spirit made Nave’s death feel unbearable, calling him a handsome, humble, principled young man and a source of pride and inspiration. He said the community is not just an organization but a family, and that Nave carried the values his family had given him.
