Mother of Fallen Israeli Soldier Oron Shaul Passes Away After Years of Advocacy

Zehava Shaul, mother of Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul who was killed in action and whose body was held by Hamas for nearly a decade, has died. The Jordan Valley Regional Council expressed condolences, describing her as a noble woman who fought for over ten years to bring her son’s remains back to Israel. Zehava will be buried in the cemetery of Poria Illit alongside her late husband Hertzel and her son Oron, whose first yahrzeit was recently commemorated.

Oron Shaul fell during the 2014 Gaza conflict, Operation Protective Edge, and his body was captured by Hamas. In January 2025, a covert operation by the IDF and Shin Bet, involving Shayetet 13 naval commandos and the 188th Brigade, successfully recovered his remains. The IDF stated that this was a significant step in returning missing soldiers home and reaffirmed their commitment to continue efforts to bring back all captives and missing persons.

The head of the Jordan Valley Regional Council, Idan Greenbaum, who supported the family throughout the years, extended his condolences and embraced Zehava’s sons, Ofek and Aviram. The community mourns the loss of a woman who dedicated herself to her son’s memory and the cause of bringing him home.