Israeli Reservist’s Legacy Lives On Through New Volunteer App Two Years After His Death
Two years after the death of reservist Malchiya Gross, who was killed in a tank accident during an operational mission in Rafah on June 22, 2024, his memory continues to inspire acts of kindness. Gross, a soldier in the 9212 Battalion of the Iron Fist Brigade (205), was 25 at the time of his death. Known for his dedication to volunteering, he spent his last leave from service visiting children with cancer at Soroka Hospital instead of going home.
To honor his legacy, Gross’s close friend Yair Saadon and his family launched the "Malchi Tov" app on June 1, 2026, marking the second anniversary of his passing. The app aims to modernize and simplify volunteering in Israel by connecting volunteers with organizations and individuals in need through an AI-based platform. Volunteers register their skills and availability, while nonprofits and individuals can find suitable helpers without navigating outdated bureaucracies or social media groups.
Gross’s mother, Michal Gross, emphasized that volunteering was central to her son’s life. He had volunteered for ten years with Zichron Menachem, an organization supporting children with cancer and their families, from age 17 until his last day. His commitment to helping others was evident even during his military service, where he balanced frontline duties with ongoing volunteer work.
Saadon recalled conversations with Gross about the inefficiencies in Israel’s volunteer system, which inspired the app’s creation. The initiative was developed with support from the Rothschild Partnerships’ "Rothschild Ambassadors" program, which helps young leaders launch community projects. Program director Hadas Fox-Salev highlighted the app as a meaningful way to transform personal loss into a broader social impact by making volunteering more accessible and effective.
The "Malchi Tov" app stands as a living tribute to Gross’s spirit, encouraging more Israelis to engage in acts of kindness and community support in a streamlined, user-friendly way.
