Bereaved Parents Demand IDF Recognition for Fallen Children’s Heroism on October 7

Bereaved parents of soldiers killed on October 7 and during Operation Iron Swords express frustration with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for not yet awarding medals of valor or citations to the fallen. In an interview on Kan News Radio, Ran Golan and Yaniv Harush shared their disappointment and concern that political and security pressures are causing the issue to be overlooked, effectively erasing the heroic acts of their sons.

Ran Golan, father of Yoni Golan who died on October 7, explained that despite initiating requests to commanders and the deputy division commander who investigated the battles at Nahal Oz outpost, no official recognition has been granted. "Everyone said Yoni performed an extraordinary act of heroism and would be nominated when the time for citations comes, but no one has contacted us, and it’s fading away," he said.

Yaniv Harush, father of Ido Harush who also fell during the massacre, echoed these sentiments. He recounted conversations with brigade and battalion commanders and the deputy division commander wounded in combat, emphasizing that Ido fought barefoot and in shorts to defend a female soldier against overwhelming odds, saving an entire base. "These are tank soldiers not trained to fight outside their tanks," Yaniv said, stressing that securing recognition is their life’s mission and he will not let it fade.

An IDF spokesperson stated that the process of awarding medals and citations was supposed to begin about five months ago but was delayed due to Operation Roaring Lion and ground maneuvers in southern Lebanon. The process has recently resumed but is unlikely to conclude before the third anniversary of the massacre. The Defense Minister’s office confirmed that Minister Yoav Kitz has ordered the IDF to establish a committee on the matter. The Prime Minister’s office did not respond. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court rejected a petition to recognize Alon Shmoriz as a fallen IDF soldier, highlighting ongoing debates over memory and recognition related to October 7.