Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, IDF Chief Rabbi Brigadier-General Rafi Peretz and Chief of Personnel Brach Major-General Orna Barvibai after midnight on Sunday morning 7 Menachem Av arrived at the Kfar Sava home of the parents of IDF 2nd.-Lt. Hadar Goldin HY”D. They informed the parents and family that after examining all halachic, military and other considerations in the case, Rabbi Peretz convened a special beis din and their son was officially declared dead based on the findings, which also included pathological findings at the scene of the Friday morning battle. The pained parents heard the bitter words and accepted the psak of the IDF Chief Rabbinate, agreeing to move ahead with the levaya and shiva. Lt. Goldin is the 64th IDF fatality in Operation Protective Edge. Sunday is day 27 of the fighting.

As the late night meeting was taking place in the home, hundreds of people remained outside, many carrying signs “We cannot leave Gaza with Lt. Goldin”. The public support for the young officer and his family remains overwhelming.

The parents, Simcha and Chedva, brothers Menachem and Tzur, sister Ayelet and fiancée Edna all requested to say a few words to the camera.

Dr. Simcha Goldin was first. He explained that he is a battalion commander in reserve duty. “IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz was my officer and I know he would not leave a soldier inside, not in Gaza, not under any circumstance. I know [Givati Brigade Commander] Colonel Ofir Winter and he would not abandon an officer from Pulsar Givati”.

Mrs. Goldin spoke of Hadar’s smile and how he was loved by all. Twin brother Tzur, also an IDF officer, added “Hadar my brother was sent to protect the homeland. We give our all and receive as well. He took part in Operation Brothers Return as did I. It was during that time he and Edna announces their engagement. I asked him why now during this difficult time. He said ‘We, this nation are one people. We are proud. There are kidnapped boys and nevertheless we will be strong and we will get married and bring simcha to everyone.’…”

Hadar’s levaya will take place today, Sunday 7 Menachem Av at 17:30 in the Kfar Sava Military Cemetery.

It is now cleared for release: IDF 2nd.-Lt. Hadar Goldin HY”D was a relative of Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon. The senior minister’s grandfather was a brother of Dr. Simcha Goldin’s grandmother.

The family asks Am Yisrael to take part and give their son a last kovod.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)