Fallen Soldier Ofeq Moalem Remembered for Eagerness to Volunteer

Reserve Sergeant Ofeq Moalem, who was killed in Gaza by an exploding Israeli military drone, is being remembered by friends and family as a dedicated soldier who always volunteered first. Moalem, who completed his regular service two years ago, immediately transitioned to reserve duty. He was killed alongside fellow Reserve Sergeant Nadav Kali in an incident where a military drone malfunctioned and exploded after landing within a base in northern Gaza. Initial reports suggest the soldiers approached the drone after it fell, leading to the explosion.

Moalem was a first-year mechanical engineering student at Azrieli College in Jerusalem and is survived by his parents, twin brother, and younger sister. He was laid to rest at the Mount Herzl military cemetery.

His close friend, Roey Elmoznyino, who had known Moalem since they were ten years old, described him as an exceptional person who was always willing to help others and take on more responsibility. Elmoznyino noted that Moalem stood out in school, during his military service, and in his university studies, always being the first to volunteer and never content to stand aside.

Elmoznyino explained that Moalem's eagerness to continue in command roles during reserve duty, including becoming a commander after his first reserve tour, was characteristic of his personality. Moalem also had experience with drones from his regular service, where he was reportedly responsible for many drones and completed relevant training.

"It's terrible news. It's impossible to digest and there's no real way to accept it," Elmoznyino said, expressing the profound grief felt by many. He acknowledged that while his personal pain is immense, he knows thousands of others his age are experiencing similar losses.