Hundreds accompanied Tal Shua, 31, on his final journey to the military cemetery in the capital of the Negev. Shua, a soldier in the 7071st Engineer Battalion of the Kiryati Brigade (4), who fell in battle in the southern Gaza Strip and entered the hearts of many. The amount of eulogies on social networks was great, all his friends and acquaintances spoke of his wide heart, wonderful sense of humor and helping others. The city of Beersheba says goodbye to another son and the pain does not let go.
The funeral of Tal Shua z"l at the Negev cemetery, photo: Dudu Greenspan
His wife Inbar, whom he married in October last year and who had just become pregnant, eulogized him: "My love, how do you eulogize a person who feels so alive? I feel like every moment you'll walk in with your smile and say it's joking. Because that's who you are. And part of who you are not, is pleased that we are crying over your passing. Leaving such a huge void. I've always said that I'm jealous of you, how you walk into a room and make everyone fall in love with you, and open their hearts to you. You always had a smile on your face. You have always chosen to judge on merit. You were the best person I've ever known. Even during war, you were not summoned to Order 8. You chose to volunteer first."
Sergeant Major (Res.) Tal Shua, photo: IDF Spokesperson
Inbar said they met at the age of 17, and even then he told relatives that she would be his wife. "We joked that you would propose marriage on a hot air balloon. And at the age of 29, you turned the world upside down to find a hot air balloon. We were meant to be each other's. You are my life. I get up and breathe you. You would have read me without saying a word. You always believed in me even when I didn't. Now you left me here, not before you did what Tal knows best and left a little gift that I won't forget you. I love you my love. You are my whole world and always will be. I will look for you in future lives."
The funeral of Tal Shua, z"l, in the Negev cemetery, photo: Dudu Greenspan
Lt. Col. Yaniv Vaknin found it difficult to speak and said goodbye in tears: "Tal, I stand with your family, friends and commanders. We are all shocked and saddened by your terrible loss and untimely fall. Today, the State of Israel lost one of its best builders. Tal, who fell while fighting valiantly in defense of the land and the homeland. You and your friends fought fiercely and are still fighting in Khan Yunis so that we can sleep here peacefully. The fighters and commanders of the 7071st Engineer Battalion lead the difficult battles with great determination and heroism. Many of your friends are unable to accompany you on your final journey. But the heritage and values on which you grew up motivate all of us in missions against our enemies. You enlisted to be a combat engineer soldier, you chose to do significant service out of a commitment to defend your country and homeland. When you were called up with your fellow reservists, you showed up without hesitation in order to restore quiet and security to the State of Israel. You joined me in Company A 10 years ago. From the first moment you could see that he was someone special. You were a great fighter but the thing I remember is that he was a smiling guy, always knew how to say the right words, the joke at the right time. You and your friends are the top <>,<> percent of the State of Israel."
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