Sgt. Maj. (res.) Tom Ish-Shalom, z"l, 38, of Moshav Nes Harim - Israel Air Force Special Tactics Rescue Unit 669. Fell in combat in the southern Gaza Strip. Son of Shai, and the late Tal, a loving husband to Carmit and a devoted father to their children, Mia and Gaya, fell in the helicopter crash disaster in the southern Gaza Strip. Tom, who was born in Kibbutz Hanita and grew up in Kfar Vardim, was a rooted Zionist and connected to his people and his country. He volunteered to return to operational activity after October 7, and served until his fall. His friends and family describe him as a pampering father, a true friend, who was always there to help and contribute, with a smile and kindness. Tom and Carmit chose to live in Nes Harim because it was important to them to live in a mixed religious-secular settlement, as a message of connection and unity.
Tom was a quiet, modest person, loved the sea and trips in the country, always volunteered. He also volunteered to return to the operational reserves with 669 even though he had already changed positions. That's how he was.
