Elad Michael Sasson

IDF Sgt. Major Elad Michael Sasson, 21, a fighter in the elite Egoz commando unit, was killed in action on October 7 in a battle to defend an army outpost at Kissufim near the Gaza border.

Sasson was part of a small squad of soldiers that fought against Hamas terrorists for eight hours, saving the lives of 32 female soldiers, 14 wounded Golani fighters, three civilian women and a baby, who were at the base.

The youngest of four siblings – sisters Gal and Mor and brother Roi – Sasson grew up in Jerusalem and Motza Illit, graduating from the Hebrew University High School. He enlisted in the Air Force and started the aviation course before joining the Egoz anti-guerrilla warfare unit.

His family, friends, teachers, coaches and commanders all remembered Sasson as a true leader.

His parents, Aliza and David, said Sasson always wanted to be a fighter like his late grandfather, Michael Peretz, who fought in the War of Independence. “He felt it was his mission,” they said. “The defense of his people, the pride of the unit and teamwork were important to him.”

Two others from his squad, Staff Sgt. Jonathan Savitsky and Staff Sgt. Amit Peled, were also killed in the October 7 battle.

Sasson’s friends said that he was very generous, curious and loved helping people. He enjoyed cooking meals for them and organizing movie nights and hiking trips. He also had a great sense of humor and liked to laugh, and could see the good side of everything. He had an adventurous spirit and was looking forward to traveling with friends after his military service, which was half a year away, and then pursuing higher studies.

“Elad knew he would be a doctor,” his parents said. “Even though he had a talent and passion for playing the guitar, he felt it was an important mission to save lives.”

“If everyone succeeds like Elad in doing just a little, giving a little more love, being a little more kind, or simply not hate, maybe then we will succeed in making this world a better place,” his father David Sasson said.

His girlfriend Amit Shustak also mourned Sasson: “You are our angel, my angel. I love you more than anything else in this world, and I will forever continue to love you. I thank you for every moment we shared, for making me feel what love is, fully and purely. I will miss you my beloved Elad, thank you for making me happy.”
Source: Times of Israel