Captain Neria Zisk Returns from South America to Fight and Dies Defending Commander in Gaza

Captain Neria Zisk was traveling in South America when the war broke out. Although he was not officially summoned by the Israeli military, he made every effort to return to Israel and join the fighting. He ultimately fell in battle in Gaza while protecting his commander. His parents, Israel and Galit Zisk, share the story of their son, who never accepted the phrase "you can't" and repeatedly overcame challenges to become a commander who chose to lead the soldiers who struggled the most.

Neria was known for his cheerful nature, humor, and determination. Initially not an outstanding student, he transformed himself in ninth grade, earning honors by working hard and believing in himself. After high school, he attended a preparatory program and then enlisted in the Armored Corps, where he completed officer training. He famously requested to command the weakest platoon to inspire them, reflecting his belief in breaking barriers.

When the war started during the holiday of Simchat Torah 5784, Neria was on a long trip abroad and had already been discharged from the IDF. Despite not having a military order to return, he insisted on coming back immediately, even attempting to secure a cockpit seat on a flight. Upon arrival, he pushed to join the combat despite being told otherwise. Eventually, his commander called him to serve as a fifth crew member on a tank, an unusual addition.

Two and a half months later, on January 6, 2024, during a battle in the Daraj Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza, the tank encountered a malfunction. Neria volunteered to exit the vehicle to fix it. While protecting his commander, he was fatally shot by a sniper. His fellow tank crew members rescued both him and the wounded commander under fire and managed to extract the tank from the battlefield.

The family emphasizes Neria's legacy of perseverance and courage, hoping to inspire others not to accept limitations. They have dedicated themselves to commemorating him by establishing a nature corner near their home in Moshav Misgav Yitzhak, donating a Torah scroll to the local synagogue, and raising funds to build the "Mishkan Neria" synagogue, expected to open before Rosh Hashanah. Despite their grief, they choose to continue living and building in his memory, honoring his sense of duty and sacrifice.