Three IDF soldiers from the Paratroop Brigade fell in Gaza fighting on Wednesday 25 Tammuz, the 16th day of Operation Protective Edge. The soldiers are identified as Lieutenant Paz Eliyahu HY”D, 22, from Kibbutz Evron, Sgt. First Class Li Mat HY”D, 19, from Eilat, and Sgt. First Class Shachar Dauber HY”D, 19, from Kibbutz Ginegar. Their deaths bring the death toll among IDF personnel to 32 R”L.

Lt. Eliyahu was born and raised on Kibbutz Evron, the eldest child of Rochel and Uri. His brother Matan, 19, is a cadet in Officers Training School on Base 1. His younger brother Yotam is a ninth grader. The levaya will take place on the kibbutz on Thursday, 26 Tammuz at 17:00.

Sgt. Shachar Dauber was born and raised in his kibbutz too, Kibbutz Genegar. His parents, Orli and Boris arrived in Israel from the former FSU. He was the youngest son, a brother to Guy, 24. Boris received the bitter news while at work in the kibbutz. Levaya details to be announced.

Sgt. Li Mat was born in Eilat. His parents, Smadar and Moti are founders of the Tzofim scouts in the southern city. Li was a ben zekunim and is survived by his parents, sisters Tal and Si, and brother Gal. Gal was seriously wounded in the terror attack on Route 12 back in August 2011. Levaya details to be announced.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)