Family and Fans Honor Fallen Golani Fighter Itamar Cohen on His 22nd Birthday

On a hill near their home in Karmiel overlooking the Galilee, the Cohen family gathered on Wednesday morning to decorate a memorial for their beloved son, Staff Sergeant Itamar Cohen, with yellow and black balloons representing Beitar Jerusalem, the football club he passionately supported. The family marked what would have been his 22nd birthday by playing the song "Birthday" by Avichai Hollander, reflecting on his memory with tears and smiles.

Itamar Cohen, a 19-year-old Golani Brigade soldier from Battalion 13, was killed on October 7 during a fierce battle at the Paga outpost. In that engagement, he managed to fire a LAW missile at Hamas militants, reportedly killing about 20 enemies and saving his platoon before falling in combat. A graduate of Ort Pisgat in Karmiel, where he studied marketing and economics, Itamar was the youngest son of Sima and Eyal Cohen and brother to Elior and Ohad.

The family chose to commemorate his birthday by engaging in activities and foods he loved, including carrot juice, sushi, and couscous. They began the day at the memorial near their home, followed by a family breakfast and plans to light a candle at his grave. His father, Eyal, emphasized their desire to celebrate Itamar’s life rather than mourn quietly, saying, "Itamar is always with us in spirit."

His mother, Sima, spoke about their faith helping them cope with his loss and described Itamar as a boy full of values, respect for parents, and kindness to others, traits that defined his bravery on October 7. She said, "He did not hide but fought and gave his life for the country."

On August 11, the family and Beitar Jerusalem fans will hold a football tournament in Itamar’s memory at Rabin Field in Karmiel, inviting the public to join and honor his legacy.

Summary: The Cohen family commemorated fallen Golani soldier Itamar Cohen’s 22nd birthday near their Karmiel home, honoring his bravery and love for Beitar Jerusalem. Cohen died heroically in combat on October 7, 2023, saving comrades before falling. The family plans a memorial football tournament on August 11.

Points: - Itamar Cohen, a 19-year-old Golani soldier, died heroically on October 7, 2023, killing about 20 Hamas militants. - His family marked his 22nd birthday by decorating his memorial with Beitar Jerusalem colors and sharing his favorite foods. - Cohen was known for his strong values, kindness, and leadership among friends. - The family held a memorial gathering near their Karmiel home with music and reflections. - A football tournament in his memory will be held on August 11 at Rabin Field in Karmiel. - His parents emphasize celebrating his life and continuing with faith despite their loss.

Topic: security israel_relevant: true Entities: {"people":["Itamar Cohen","Eyal Cohen","Sima Cohen","Avichai Hollander"],"organizations":["Golani Brigade","Beitar Jerusalem"],"places":["Karmiel","Galilee","Paga","Rabin Field"]}