Iftah Yavetz

Lieutenant Iftah Yavetz, z"l, of Ramat Hasharon, served in the Maglan recon commando unit and died fighting the terrorists who infiltrated the Nahal Oz moshav. 

Iftah was an ATP-ranked junior tennis player, reaching 3rd place nationwide for Israel. 

Iftah died on his father's birthday, writing this letter to his father:

"Abush, 53 happy and looking like 35. But still 53. Which means I'm also 23. Abush, you are my hero. When I'm confused, wondering, when I fumble my steps, When I ask - you're always there.

I'm already 23 years old and you're 53. It's not a short shared path. Sometimes I manage to recognize your footprints on this path, embedded deep in the ground and marking the path of my progress. I wish you to remain the person you are. The warrior, the values, the sensitive and the professional. But beyond everything, that you remain the father you are. I love you very much, and very much, but very much. Glad you were born. Iftah."

"When people say 'our sons are good,' they mean him. At my wedding he was the first to lift me on his shoulders. There is nothing better than our key, there simply isn't. Sensitive, smart, nice and soft. When he was in the room, he always radiated calmness, peace and just good. Pure goodness that you don't see today." 

- Yoni, Iftah's cousin