The funeral of Staff Sgt. Yam Gelles, an observer in Nahal Oz, is now taking place (Wednesday), after she was considered missing almost a month after the war room in which she served was set on fire by terrorists, last Friday, Gelles' body was identified. She was 20 years old.
Her mother, Anat, eulogized her: "My Yamchik is our angel, how is it possible that the journey of your life is over? Especially now when everything looks so good. You were so happy. We talked about plans for the future, planned a girls trip together. I'm sure you wanted to stay with us, to finish your military service. You didn't want to be a hero or famous, you just wanted to be.
"I know that sometimes I choked you out of love and worry, I told you that I am your mother and I will always take care of you until the day I die. I believed that you were protected in the war room, that the army would protect you, that the air force would protect you.
"You always knew how to accommodate me and my heightened concern. You were a special girl, smart, witty, curious, accomplished and humble. Who will laugh at my technological skills now? Who will call me every day? I hope you didn't suffer.
"In my worst nightmare, I never thought something like this could happen in 2023. On Saturday, October 7, at 10:9 A.M., I received the last sign of life from You, and since then time has stopped and our hearts have been broken to pieces. I don't know how to go on without you, how to leave you behind.
"Hi hello angel my little heroine. I hope you will appear in my dreams and one day we will meet again."
For 28 days we had hope
Her best friend Ofir also eulogized her: "For 28 days we waited for a hint, sat at home and hoped for the best. For 28 days we had hope, we had hope that you would come back to us and everything would be okay. 28 days when every message about your situation makes my heart pinch a little more and hope drops a little more.
"After 28 days, they came to your house and announced the worst. Our smiling Yam will no longer get to smile, to make us laugh, to hear our stories. No one will be able to fill your absence.
"I never dreamed in my worst dreams that I would stand at your funeral and read words in memory of you the purest person I knew. How am I supposed to go on with life when I don't have you?, You can't go on without you as usual.
"I will perpetuate your memory with the good you have done. Sea, I'm sad I won't see you again. Thank you for being you, thank you for letting me love you and loving me back. I hope you'll be proud of me."
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