Sergeant Major (Res.) Shalev Salzman, 24, from Ramat Yishai, fell in battle in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday. Shalev was a soldier in Battalion 6623, the "Spearhead" Formation (55), and he was wounded in a battle in which an officer and three other fighters from his unit were severely wounded.
Shalev was a water polo player when he was a teenager. The Hapoel Yokneam Water Polo Club released a statement after his fall: "Huge sadness again. The Hapoel Yokneam Water Polo Club mourns the loss of Sergeant Major Shalev Salzman, a 24-year-old Paratroopers Brigade soldier killed in battle in the Gaza Strip. Shalev trained in the Bar Empowerment Group, the Bar Rahav fitness group, which operates under the club. He also played in the youth departments of Hapoel K. Tivon for many years. Another sad day for the country and the industry."
IDF Spokesperson
Assaf Oberlander, who is running for mayor of Ramat Yishai, wrote: "Now we can say, we had an unbearable night upon receiving the announcement of the fall of Sergeant Major Shalev Salzman z"l from Ramat Yishai. Shalev, a classmate of an era, grew up with us and was part of our hearts. He excelled in everything he did and was loved by everyone with a huge heart.
"Shalev was supposed to start studying, but the war catapulted him to the army, first to the north and then to Gaza. He was always smiling and willing to help and assist."
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