20 Years After Terror Attack That Killed IDF Officer Roi Farjon, Family Remembers His Legacy

Twenty years after the terrorist attack that claimed the life of IDF officer Roi Farjon, his family continues to honor his memory. Roi, the eldest of four siblings, was the first fallen soldier of the Nahal Haredi battalion "Netzah Yehuda." He was killed on August 19, 2006, while commanding soldiers at the "Bekaot" checkpoint in the Jordan Valley. A terrorist approached the checkpoint, opened fire, and Roi was fatally shot in the chest. The attacker was killed on the spot, and his accomplices were later sentenced to life imprisonment but released in 2025 as part of a prisoner exchange deal for hostages from Gaza.

Roi’s mother, Tami Farjon, recalls the moment she was informed of his death as a permanent wound, saying the knock on the door still echoes in her mind two decades later. She and her three surviving children, Guy, Eliran, and Mor, cherish a photo of the four brothers in IDF uniforms taken shortly before Roi’s death. Despite the pain, the family emphasizes the strong bond they share, describing themselves as not only siblings but close friends.

The family highlights the ongoing support from the Netzah Yehuda battalion, which visits Roi’s memorial annually at the military section of the Yehud cemetery. Eliran Farjon expressed mixed feelings about the release of the terrorists involved but noted the current battalion commander’s promise to never forget Roi and to hold the perpetrators accountable. The siblings, now in their forties with children of their own, reflect on the difficulty of celebrating birthdays without Roi, who remains forever 21 in their hearts.

Tami, now 71, and her children continue to live with the loss but find strength in their unity and the lasting legacy of their brother’s dedication and sacrifice. The family’s story underscores the personal cost of terrorism and the enduring impact on those left behind.