Staff Sgt. Chalachew Shimon Demalah was killed in a Hamas sniper attack at an army encampment in Gaza City, The Times of Israel reports. The 21-year-old was serving with the Nahal Brigade’s 932nd Battalion and was a Beersheva native.
Defense Minister Israel Katz tweeted his “deep condolences” to the family, saying that the State of Israel “honors his bravery and embraces the family in these tough moments.”
A volunteer who met Demalash, Avi Even Chaim, described him to Haaretz as “a brave, modest soldier with a big smile and a huge heart.”
“Chalachew exhibited strength alongside a rare, good heartedness; he connected with everyone, loved his friends, and always volunteered first to stay behind and stand on the frontlines,” Even Chaim said.
The Fellowship and our faithful supporters will keep Demalah and his family in our prayers and are reminded by their bravery and dedication why it’s so important to stand with IDF soldiers and their families when they need it the most.
