What It’s About

Major (res.) Aviram Hariv, a celebrated deputy battalion commander of Battalion 9308 in Israel’s Alon Brigade, has fallen in a brave battle in southern Lebanon. At 42 years old, Hariv leaves behind a legacy as both a soldier and an educator, marking a significant loss for the community in Dolev and beyond.

Why It Matters

Aviram Hariv represented the valor and dedication characteristic of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the people of Israel. Known for his roles as a military leader and a rabbi at the Dolev Ulpana girls’ seminary in the West Bank, he embodied a bridge between faith and service. His contributions as a deputy commander and spiritual mentor enriched the lives of many around him, including his wife and six children.

The Bigger Picture

The announcement of Major Hariv’s death marks him as one of three recent honorable IDF losses alongside Master Sergeant (res.) Saar Eliad Navarsky, 27, and Staff Sergeant Yishai Mann, 21. Israel continues to face challenges and threats in a tumultuous region, but leaders like Major Hariv inspire a nation to persist and thrive in the forefront of security and future-building efforts.

The Emotional Impact

As Binyamin Regional Council Mayor Israel Gantz eloquently put it, “The nation has lost a great educator who took the values he taught to the battlefield.” This sentiment captures not only Major Hariv’s dedication but a call to not only grievously mourn but to honor his memory through continuous efforts towards peace and security in the region for the revival of the people of Israel.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.