Oron Shaul's Mother Zehava Laid to Rest After Decade-Long Battle for Son's Return

Zehava Shaul, mother of Sergeant Oron Shaul, was laid to rest today at the cemetery in Poria Illit. She passed away last Friday at the age of 71. For over a decade, Zehava led a determined campaign to bring her son’s remains back to Israel. Oron Shaul, a Golani Brigade soldier from Battalion 13, was killed during Operation Protective Edge in 2014.

In January 2025, a covert operation involving Shayetet 13 naval commandos, Intelligence Corps units, the 162nd Division, and the Shin Bet successfully recovered Oron Shaul’s body. Zehava Shaul will be buried alongside her husband, Hertzel, and their son Oron. Her persistent efforts to retrieve Oron’s remains included extensive intelligence gathering and advocacy, especially intensified during the recent conflict.

Her passing marks the end of a long chapter of personal and national significance, highlighting the sacrifices and struggles faced by families of fallen soldiers in Israel.