Mother of Fallen Israeli Soldier Fights to Restore Son’s Name from Online Abuse

Rotem Leizer, mother of the late Staff Sergeant Nehorai Leizer, who was killed in combat in southern Lebanon, is publicly appealing to restore honor to her son’s name after it became a derogatory term on social media. Nehorai, 19, from Eilat, died serving in the Israel Defense Forces, and since his death, Rotem describes her life as divided into before and after the tragic news. In an interview with C14, she shared the pain of losing her son and the additional struggle to protect his legacy from online insults.

Rotem recalled Nehorai as a bright, talented young man who was deeply respectful, musically gifted, and caring towards others. She emphasized that the name Nehorai, meaning "my light," symbolizes courage and goodness, reflecting her son’s character. However, she has witnessed the name being used as a slur to describe unruly or disrespectful youth, which she finds deeply hurtful and inaccurate.

The misuse of the name has also affected other children named Nehorai, some of whom have asked their parents to legally change their names due to bullying. Rotem’s campaign aims to end this negative trend and honor her son’s memory by reminding the public of his values and sacrifice. She urged society to be part of the change and preserve the dignity of names that carry meaning and history.

Rotem’s fight is both personal and communal, seeking to transform grief into action and ensure that Nehorai’s legacy as a brave soldier who enabled others to live freely is remembered respectfully. She highlighted that her son himself was aware of the name’s misuse but remained confident in his identity, a strength that now inspires her ongoing mission.