Father of Fallen IDF Officer Builds Memorial for Givati Brigade Soldiers in Yoav

A new memorial dedicated to fallen soldiers of the Givati Brigade will open this Monday at Metzudat Yoav, the brigade's heritage site in the Yoav Regional Council. The memorial features glass walls engraved with the names of the fallen, an interactive information screen about the soldiers, an additional display screen, and special lighting illuminating the glass from below. A ceremonial plaza has also been constructed to accommodate families, soldiers, and visitors. The project cost approximately 3.5 million shekels and was developed jointly by the Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael), the Ministry of Defense, and the Givati Brigade Heritage Association.

The memorial's design and construction were led by Shalom Sharal, whose son, Lt. Col. Benia Sharal, was killed in action on August 1, 2014, during Operation Protective Edge near Rafah. Benia Sharal, who commanded the Givati reconnaissance platoon, fell alongside Lt. Hadar Goldin and Staff Sgt. Liel Gidoni. He was posthumously promoted to lieutenant colonel. Sharal's personal loss inspired the unique and heartfelt nature of the memorial, aiming to honor all Givati Brigade fallen soldiers across generations.

Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael chairman Eyal Ostrinsky emphasized the deep commitment to preserving the memory of the fallen and their families, noting the special human significance of having a bereaved father involved in the project. Itzik Levit, chairman of the Givati Brigade Heritage Association, expressed pride in inaugurating the memorial and highlighted the importance of perpetuating the legacy of the brigade’s soldiers who died defending Israel. Both praised the collaborative effort that brought the project to fruition.