Granddaughter of Kidnapped Israeli Man Turns Grief Into Military Legal Career

Noam Sapir, a 23-year-old from Eilat, was pursuing a law degree through the IDF's Atuda program when her life changed dramatically. On October 6, 2023, her grandfather, Shlomo Manzur, 85, was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Kissufim near the Gaza Strip by Hamas militants. During the violent raid, five terrorists stormed the house, tied up Manzur, and forcibly took him away, while his wife narrowly escaped by fleeing to a neighbor's house. Manzur was the oldest and only captive from Kissufim. After a year and a half of hoping for his return, the family received the devastating news that he had been killed in captivity.

Despite the trauma, Noam resolved to continue her studies and military service. She participated in a "Return to Service" conference and insisted on advancing in her military legal career, balancing her academic exams with the emotional strain of the ongoing hostage crisis. She expressed a strong desire to influence change from within the system to prevent future tragedies like her grandfather's kidnapping.

Noam recently completed officer training at Bahad 1 and was commissioned as a lieutenant. She is now assigned to the Military Advocate General's Office in the West Bank and plans to serve until at least October 2030. She aims to lead and inspire soldiers, motivated by the memory of her grandfather, who she says would have been very proud of her. Noam views her military legal role as a way to honor his legacy and contribute to Israel's security.

Reflecting on her journey, Noam recalled celebrating her 21st birthday at the Hostages' Square, hoping for her grandfather's safe return. This year, she marked her 23rd birthday as a newly minted officer, symbolizing a personal closure and a commitment to her mission within the IDF.