Grieving Brother Bids Farewell to Fallen Soldier Ron Yonatan Roitman
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Hundreds gathered in Ashkelon on Sunday to mourn Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Roitman, 23, who was killed in a shooting attack near Hebron on Friday. His brother delivered a moving eulogy, describing their deep bond. Roitman's commanders also praised his bravery and leadership. The IDF has initiated a large-scale operation in Hebron following the attack.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Roitman, 23, was killed in a shooting attack near Hebron.
- Hundreds attended his funeral in Ashkelon on Sunday, many waving Israeli flags.
- His brother delivered an emotional eulogy, calling Roitman his 'other half' and 'best friend'.
- Roitman's commanders praised his performance and the trust he inspired in his soldiers.
- The IDF has launched a major operation in Hebron following the deadly attack.
Hundreds of residents from Ashkelon, many waving Israeli flags, lined the streets on Sunday to accompany Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Roitman, 23, to his final resting place. Roitman was killed in a shooting attack near Hebron on Friday, October 25, 2026. He was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Giv'at Tzion, Ashkelon.
His brother, David Roitman, delivered a deeply emotional eulogy, recounting their close bond and shared childhood. He spoke of how they had previously discussed what would be said about them if one were to fall, but never imagined he would have to speak about his own brother. "You are the brother who is the best friend, you are my world, my other half who is gone from me," David said, his voice breaking. He described Ron as "the strongest fire I have ever seen, a fire that unfortunately burned out too quickly."
Roitman's commanders also paid tribute to him. Lieutenant Colonel Liad Shahar, his battalion commander, praised his performance during the battle, stating, "I don't know what would have happened if your force hadn't been there." He highlighted the trust his soldiers placed in Roitman, knowing they had a commander they could rely on.
Captain Or Afriat, the company commander, recalled meeting Roitman a year prior when tasked with establishing a new company. He described Roitman's undeniable charisma and the immense admiration he garnered from his soldiers. "There isn't a soldier who didn't admire you, and I too never stopped admiring you, every day anew," Afriat stated.
Following the attack, the IDF launched a broad operation to thwart terrorism in Hebron.
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