About 1,000 people, including family members, officers, soldiers, friends and many civilians, accompanied Capt. (res.) Lior Sivan, 32, from Beit Shemesh, a combat officer in the 363rd Battalion of the Harel Brigade, who fell in battle in the southern Gaza Strip, on his last journey to the cemetery in Beit Shemesh.
Hundreds accompany Capt. Lior Sivan, who fell in battle in Gaza, photo: Oren Ben Hakon
He and his wife Liav recently moved to Beit Shemesh, and she is currently due to give birth to their second child. "He was drafted from October 7th, but for a moment I didn't worry or think that something bad would happen to him," his wife Liat said, "He broadcast that everything was small and not dangerous, celebrated life and was happy, didn't give up the ugly mustache even when I was angry. We have a two-and-a-half-year-old son, Tal, and I'm nine months old, it's not easy. All the phone calls rolled with laughter, there was a lovely and pampering father, every call would ask for stories about shaking."
The funeral of Lior Sivan, photo: Oren Ben Hakon
Comedian Hanoch Daum, a relative of Liav's, noted on his Facebook account: "We were informed that Lior Sivan, who is married to sweet Liav (who is also due to give birth soon), fell in Gaza. Liav is my cousin's eldest daughter. I met Lior through her, a charming and special couple, expecting another child, about to move to a new home soon and concocted many dreams."
Lt. Col. Amir Sarfati: "Lior, we stand here shocked and pained by your untimely fall. You enlisted for significant service as a combat soldier in the Armored Corps. You have commanded many soldiers and received countless praises. You were an excellent commander and fighter. You performed your job in the best possible way. Striving for excellence. You instilled in your soldiers a love of doing things and acted with constant joy. You were a conversationalist, you knew how to give the right advice. You were loved by everyone, caring, sensitive. You were a master at dancing.
"Above all, you were a family man, a son, a brother, a loving husband and father. Liav and Tal were at the top of your mind. You waited to go home. Just a few days ago you sat down with the fighters and asked to think together about the name of your daughter who will soon be born. Dear Sivan family, it is difficult to describe the magnitude of the void left behind by Lior Benfallo. There is no consolation in words. On behalf of the IDF and the fighters of the Harel Brigade, I would like to share in the heavy mourning, and embrace you into our hearts."
Dan Sivan, Lior's father: "There are no words to describe the heavy loss at such a young age. The father of a child who is not yet three years old and an unborn baby, who is due to come into the world in 20 days. Lior fell at the age of 32. He was always a light to all. Be a real friend. There wasn't a person who didn't love him. As heroic as King David was. He successfully graduated and became a mechanical engineer. He built a wheelchair that could be used into the water to help the disabled. Our Lior-David, this pain will remain for the rest of our days. Only God knows why He takes the best. We don't understand God's ways. We will remember you all our lives until our death, all the contribution you made to our people. We are so proud."
Gabriel, Lior's brother: "Lior, my beloved brother, only yesterday we managed to talk on the phone after a month of not getting to talk. I couldn't put into words how much I care for you, admire you. I completed the mission with my brigade in Beit Hanoun. I was just waiting for you to finish your assignment and we could talk. I didn't live up to the task I took upon myself to have your baby born.
"I've admired you my whole life. Look at all the people who came to say goodbye to you and you were a role model for them. I was a legendary brother. At every stage of life you were a legend. I wasn't at your level. Both in the preparatory program I followed you and in the army always on your way, in order to try to reach your level. I was always proudly Lior's brother. I'm sure there will be a legend upstairs as well, dancing and making everyone happy. Thank you for everything you've done for us all your life. I love you very much and I'm sorry I never knew how to express it."
Maayan, Lior's sister, eulogized her beloved brother in tears: "My beloved Liorito, I have been worried about you since the war broke out. I didn't believe that when you came back we would have to say goodbye to you. How many people love you, are proud of you. You attracted those around you like a magnet, whether because of your height or charisma. You were the nail tonight at family events. The overly accurate imitations you made of Dad with his South American accent. Liorito, I admire you and who you have become over the years. You met Liav, a lioness woman who spreads only light. You were a proud dad to a shaker who adored you. You excelled at work and had brilliant ideas designed to help people. I'm sure you're happy. I love you my dear brother."
Avinoam: "Lior, my beloved brother, you were taken from us so quickly and the pain is unimaginable. I hoped we would laugh together after the war and tell us about our experiences. You have always been the funny and witty brother of the family. When you would help me with various things. You've always thought about how to help everyone. It's a beautiful virtue of yours. On Saturdays you would do your magic for nephews. You were an angel from heaven. Simply a legend. You will always be treasured in my heart. Love you endlessly."
Liav, Lior's wife: "From my mother, I can't believe I'm standing here summing up our best years. Just yesterday we spoke and you said that you are in pain from longing. You wanted to hear every detail about shaking. Together we rolled with laughter. How we loved laughing together. You take everything easily, with a smile and simplicity. How you loved celebrating life. I can't imagine life without you. Take care of us from above. I love you."
Orly, Liav's mother: "Lior was the most alive person. Full of laughter and life. Liav and Lior had an amazing relationship. A young couple who do everything themselves. Lior was smart and very creative.
Once he built a robot to retrieve the cell phone he had thrown away. He loved challenges. Lior was the most sociable person there was. He connected with everyone. You were the most inclusive and professional commander there is. Your children will always hear about their heroic father."
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