Among the war dead: Col. Roy Levi, who was critically injured in Operation Protective Edge"

8 October 2023   

Col. Roy Levi, who lit a torch at the Independence Day ceremony on Mount Herzl more than five years ago, after recovering from a serious injury in Operation Protective Edge and returning to command duties, was killed in battle with Hamas terrorists. Roy, 44, led his team heroically, and courageously sought contact and was the first to enter the battle at Kibbutz Re'im, in order to save civilians who were besieged in their homes. In this encounter, about ten terrorists were eliminated. Levi, a graduate of the Beit El high school yeshiva, has become one of the most prominent symbols in the IDF in recent years for his determination and devotion to duty. In the past, he commanded a Golani patrol during Operation Protective Edge and was mortally wounded in battle in Saja'iyah after an anti-tank missile hit a terrorist house that Roy entered and the building collapsed on them. His fighting spirit and sense of mission were stronger than anything, and he returned to command the elite 'Egoz' unit. He then served as the commander of the Baram formation brigade, and during his tenure, Hezbollah's flag tunnels were neutralized. He commanded the fire training center in the IDF and about two and a half months ago he began his role as commander of the multi-dimensional unit. Roy was chosen by the Chief of Staff to light a torch on the 70th Independence Day of the State of Israel.