The IDF Spokesperson on Tuesday morning permitted the publication of the names of four IDF fighters who fell in battle in the southern and central Gaza Strip. Among the fallen were reserve sergeant Yakir Hekster, 26, from Jerusalem, and reserve sergeant David Schwartz, 26, from Elazar.
The combat team of the 188th Brigade in the raid on the headquarters of the al-Bureij Battalion // IDF Spokesperson
The head of the Har Etzion Yeshiva, Amnon Bezeq, who was their teacher, wrote on Facebook: "Once again death came up in our window, and again a black morning. Among those who fell yesterday were two of my dear and beloved students, David Schwartz and Yakir Hechster."
"Yakir and David had much in common," he continued. "They are both gentle-minded, with a heart of gold, lovers of Torah, spreading light and goodness around them, talented and wise, humble and humble, loved by all their friends. Both continued in the footsteps of their forefathers and studied like them at Yeshiva Har Etzion, together with many members of their families."
Sergeant Major (res.) David Schwartz, Photo: IDF Spokesperson
"They both studied together in my class, served together in engineering, went on a mech course together. Yakir witnessed David's wedding. At the end of their studies in the yeshiva they went to study at the university, and remained connected to Torah and the yeshiva. Both of them went to the defense of the people and the country at the beginning of the war, and together they fell for the sanctity of God, the people and the land."
"Why would I eat both of you one day? David came from deeply rooted Israeli families. He was very fond of Divrei Torah for the weekly Torah portion, and even published a booklet with words of Torah that he made sure to write every week. Before every holiday, David would call to greet on a happy holiday or a happy new year, or simply come to visit. Together with his dear wife Meital Tavdla, whom he married in a Corona wedding in the yard of her family home, he established a house in Rehovot, a home of Torah, science and lots of love."
Yakir Hekster, who fell in the Gaza Strip, photo: IDF Spokesperson
"Yakir came from a family of immigrants who, out of love for the people and the country, immigrated to Israel, together with many members of their family. A serious student who always sought to whitewash everything to the end, with infinite gentleness. Always with a slight smile on his face, welcoming the whole person. Since he left the yeshiva, we met occasionally at the Horev synagogue in Jerusalem. He was always interested in detail about what was going on in the yeshiva, and when I told him his eyes would light up."
"Dear David, in your life and death you have not parted. I loved you guys so much. May your memory be blessed."
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