Nave Lax

Lt. Nave Elazar Lax, 21, a soldier in the elite Sayeret Matkal unit, was killed on October 7 while battling Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Be’eri.

Lax, from the central city of Lod, was the son of Noam Lax and Ofra Lax, a well-known media personality and commentator.

The deputy commander of Sayeret Matkal, identified only as D., spoke at his funeral, recalling the heroism of his final hours.

“The bravery and the determination that always characterized you were also there in your final moments,” he said. “You charged with heroic courage against cursed terrorists and with your heroism you saved the lives of Be’eri residents. Thank you for the privilege of being your commander and fighting alongside you for the State of Israel.”

Nave’s father, Noam, said at the funeral that he felt his son is “still so alive and with us,” adding: “You were so beloved by all of us… you were smart, and learned, reading all the time: prose, history, about wars of Israel, history that you are now a part of.”

Noam noted that music “was a huge part of your life,” as Nave played the clarinet, guitar, harmonica and piano. At a memorial marking 30 days since he was killed, family and friends played one of his favorite liturgical Jewish tunes.

“You were naughty, and brave, you strove ahead, you were strong, creative… you loved the Jewish people, you were a counselor, you volunteered, you were happy to serve our country,” his father said.

“You had a beautiful and unique smile, and above all, you had sensitivity and leadership — two incredible characteristics that were found in you together, side by side.”

His brother, Amihai, said at his funeral that “everyone appreciated you. Everyone admired you… you found favor in all who knew you. You knew everything, you could do everything… how will we go on without you?

“Your smile, your goodness, your purity, your happiness… Nave, your soul was just too big that it could no longer stay in your body.”

Several weeks after her son’s death, Ofra spoke with the Kan public radio about Nave, his life and his final hours with his family.

“He was a very, very talented boy, everything he touched succeeded… we were always discovering new talents of his,” she said, noting his “leadership, charisma, consideration for others… he loved and was loved.”

Ofra said that Nave was home with his family for Simhat Torah and went to the synagogue on Friday evening even though he had stopped being strictly observant. When the sirens began early Saturday morning, Nave was quickly out the door to meet up with his comrades and head to the front line.

“He received warm hugs from all of us, but we never imagined that these would be our final hugs.”
Source: The Times of Israel