Major (Res.) Netanel Hershkovitz (z”l) served as the Deputy Company Commander of the 294th Battalion in the 460th Brigade. He was an exemplary officer, a revered commander, and a man of profound courage.
Netanel fell in a heroic battle, characterized by supreme self-sacrifice. During a planned enemy ambush, Netanel returned fire toward the terrorists, providing cover for his fellow soldiers while remaining completely exposed at his machine-gun post. During those fateful moments, an anti-tank missile was fired toward him, striking his position and killing him instantly.
In his final act of bravery, he saved the lives of many of his brothers-in-arms.
Netanel fell on the eve of Yom Kippur 5785 (2024) in the Gaza Strip, after serving in the reserves continuously since October 7th. He was 37 years old. He leaves behind his wife, Liron, and their three young children—Noam, Itamar, and Uri—along with a grieving family and a community left with a void that cannot be filled. Throughout his life, Netanel was a devoted husband, a beloved son and brother, a lover of the Land and People of Israel, and above all—a dedicated father.
Netanel was the pillar of his family. It was deeply important to him to secure his children’s future and to be the foundation they could lean on for whatever they might need. This is a duty he can no longer fulfill.
Liron seeks to honor Netanel’s legacy and provide the support for their children that he would have given. She turned to us with a request to help secure their future—for their education, academic studies, building their future homes, and every milestone where they would have needed their father’s guidance.
In collaboration with the JGive platform, we launched a crowdfunding campaign for Liron and her children. The people of Israel responded with overwhelming warmth, and thanks to this incredible mobilization, we succeeded in raising over 1,160,000 NIS. We view this achievement as a profound message of love, support, strength, and unity.
Liron, accompanied by her father, Ben-Yishai, attended a moving meeting to receive the gathered donations. During the meeting, they shared stories of Netanel’s life and his tireless contributions to both his family and the public.
We wish to thank this dear family for the privilege of playing a part in securing the future of these precious children.
On behalf of Liron and her children, we extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of the 4,177 donors who took part in this campaign.
Attached are photos from the meeting.
