Unknown Vandals Desecrate Israeli Flag at Fallen Paratrooper's Grave Three Times in One Week

Gilanit Reef-Amer, mother of IDF fallen soldier Staff Sergeant Regev Amer, revealed that unknown individuals vandalized the Israeli flag flying over her son's grave three times within a single week. Regev, a paratrooper killed during the October 7 battles at Kibbutz Kisufim, is buried at the cemetery in Kibbutz Sde Nahum near a stream and close to the fence, a place he loved and where the Israel National Trail passes. Gilanit discovered the first damage last Wednesday when she came to water the plants at the grave and found someone had tried to remove the flag. The next day the flag was missing and the pole broken. She initially thought it was a one-time prank but later found the flag torn to shreds on Tuesday.

Gilanit expressed heartbreak and frustration, saying, "I stood by Regev's grave and cried." She condemned the act as crossing a red line, especially since the cemetery is frequented by many religious visitors during the "bein hazmanim" vacation period. She accused some ultra-Orthodox visitors of anti-Zionist motives, citing slogans like "we will die but not enlist." Members of the kibbutz pledged to replace every flag that is removed or damaged, emphasizing the need for dialogue and acceptance rather than division.

Regev Amer was a unique and valued soldier who had served in the elite Shayetet unit before joining the paratroopers. He was known for his kindness and willingness to help others. He was killed in a fierce battle at Kisufim, where he and his squad fought off dozens of militants, saving lives despite being severely wounded. Before dying, he urged his comrades to save themselves rather than risk their lives to rescue him. His mother described the flag desecration as a painful and senseless crime against his memory.