Thousands Mourn Fallen Soldier Yuval Shai Suilem, Family Vows to Fight On

Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba

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Hebrew · 8 newsrooms covering

Thousands attended the funeral of Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilem, 20, killed in a terrorist attack at Yehuda Junction. His father vowed to fight for justice, mentioning a weapon malfunction his son had reported. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir promised to seek the execution of surviving terrorists and called for the expulsion of the Palestinian Authority. The IDF announced increased operations and a lockdown on Hebron following the attack that also killed Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Reitman.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Thousands mourned Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilem, killed in a terrorist attack at Yehuda Junction.
His father vowed to seek justice, citing a weapon malfunction his son had reported.
Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir promised to pursue execution of surviving terrorists.
The IDF announced significant operations and a lockdown on Hebron.
Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Reitman was also killed in the attack.

Thousands Mourn Fallen Soldier Yuval Shai Suilem, Family Vows to Fight On — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Thousands of mourners attended the funeral of Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilem, 20, who was killed in a terrorist attack at the Yehuda Junction. His father, Amnon Suilem, recounted that his son had previously complained about a malfunction in his weapon, stating, "We will not give up until the last moment." His sister, Shira Suilem, eulogized him, promising to cherish their memories forever.

During the emotional service in Hod Hasharon, Amnon Suilem described his son as a kind, smiling, and good-hearted young man with many dreams. He expressed the family's profound grief and pain, appealing to the public for support. He revealed that Yuval had been trying to save a friend when he was hit, and that the weapon had jammed, a problem Yuval had mentioned to him before. "We want to know how this situation came about," he declared, vowing that the family would not remain silent and would pursue justice.

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir addressed the mourners, offering condolences and emphasizing the importance of remembering Yuval's heroism. He condemned the terrorists as "scum" and vowed to do everything in his power to ensure those who remain alive are executed. Ben-Gvir also called for the expulsion of the Palestinian Authority, which he accused of educating children to murder.

Mayor of Hod Hasharon Amir Kochavi remembered Yuval as a quiet, sensitive, and helpful young man who grew into a hero by stopping terrorists and saving lives. He noted that Yuval was buried near other fallen soldiers from recent conflicts, highlighting the ongoing sacrifices made by the city's youth. The mayor pledged the municipality's full support to the grieving family.

Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilem and Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Reitman, 23, were killed in the attack at Yehuda Junction on Friday. Three other soldiers from their battalion were lightly wounded. An initial military investigation suggested the soldiers' actions prevented a more severe attack on Israeli civilians. In response, the IDF announced significant counter-terrorism operations and a lockdown on Hebron and its surrounding areas.