Zehava Shaul, Mother of Fallen Golani Soldier Oron Shaul, Passes Away

Zehava Shaul, mother of Golani Brigade soldier Sergeant Oron Shaul, passed away approximately a year and a half after her son's body was returned to Israel. Oron Shaul was killed during the 2014 Gaza conflict, Operation Protective Edge, when his armored personnel carrier was hit in the Shuja'iyya battle. His body was captured and held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip for over a decade.

For many years, Zehava Shaul led a public campaign demanding the return of her son's remains to Israel for burial. She and her family worked persistently with Israeli security and political officials to keep the issue in the public eye and push for his repatriation. Oron’s father, Hertzel Shaul, died in 2016 before seeing his son’s body returned.

Oron Shaul was born on December 27, 1993, and grew up in Poria Illit. He was recognized with a President's Citation shortly before his death. On January 18, 2025, his body was recovered from Gaza in a joint operation by the IDF and Shin Bet called "Operation Return to Us." He was buried two days later in Poria Illit next to his father.

Details about Zehava Shaul’s funeral have not yet been announced, but it is expected to take place at the same cemetery where Oron is buried. She leaves behind two other sons and is remembered for her dedication to bringing her son home.