Daughter of Fallen Golani Soldier Follows His Path as Rescue Fighter in Home Front Command

Ella Ram, 20, lost her father, Alon Elad, when she was just ten months old after he was killed in the Second Lebanon War. Elad served as a Golani infantry soldier and later in the Carmeli Brigade reserves. He died in the war's final hours on July 12, 2006, while rescuing wounded soldiers under fire in southern Lebanon. Ella grew up hearing stories about her father’s bravery and values, which her mother instilled in her as guiding principles.

Elad’s last act was carrying wounded comrades to safety before a second anti-tank missile struck, killing him and three others. The family later found a letter he wrote during reserve duty, expressing his commitment to protecting loved ones and the country. Inspired by her father’s sacrifice, Ella enlisted in November 2023 as a combatant in the Home Front Command’s rescue and evacuation unit, determined to continue his legacy.

During recent conflicts with Iran, Ella’s unit was deployed to various locations including Rehovot, Beersheba, Dimona, and Arad, where she participated in evacuations and aid efforts amid missile attacks. She emphasizes the importance of practical action over fear in emergencies. Regarding the IDF’s return to southern Lebanon, Ella supports the military’s role in protecting Israeli civilians, acknowledging the sacrifices made by those before her and those who will follow.

Ella feels confident that her father would be proud of her service and dedication to the country, embodying the values he lived by and passed on through her upbringing.