Menorah Dedication on Bnei Akiva Campsite

The Krost family alongside the JNFSA dedicated a menorah on the Bnei Akiva Campsite in Mossel Bay, honouring the South African heroes and victims of terror whose lives were lost on and after the October 7th war.

The menorah stands as a reminder of the light they brought into the world, and acknowledges Bnei Akiva's contribution to strengthening Am Yisrael’s youth and Jewish identity. 

Sponsored by the Krost family in memory of Mike and Joan Krost

May their memory be a blessing

December 2025

DANIEL SHIMON PEREZ  (z”l) 

Daniel Shimon Perez was a South African–born Israeli soldier who embodied courage, commitment, and deep love for Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael. After making aliyah with his family in 2014, he rose to become a tank platoon commander in the IDF’s 7th Armored Brigade. On 7 October 2023, Daniel fought bravely at the Nahal Oz outpost, where he was taken captive by Hamas and later confirmed to have been killed in battle.

Widely remembered as a “modern Maccabee,” Daniel was known for his strength, warmth, independence, and unwavering dedication to protecting others. His legacy continues to inspire communities in Israel, South Africa, and around the world.

YARON ELIEZER CHITIZ (z”l) 

Who was he?

Yaron (or as his family called him - Yaroni) was born and raised in Ra'anana. He was the youngest of five brothers in the Chitiz family. He attended Yavneh Elementary School and later studied at Bnei Akiva Yeshiva in Ra'anana. During high school, he was also a counsellor at Bnei Akiva in the Ra'anana branch for the "Yuval" tribe, a special group for children with disabilities.

After finishing his studies, he continued for a year and a half at the Elisha pre-military preparatory program in Neve Tzuf. His main hobby was enjoying life. He loved soccer and was an avid Liverpool fan along with his brothers and father, even attending several of their games in the years before his death. He also loved playing soccer every Friday, and enjoyed a good BBQ, cold beer and hanging out with friends at the beach on Fridays.

His path in the IDF

Yaron enlisted in March 2020 in the Givati Brigade, Shaked Battalion. After completing his training, he was assigned early to command and became a basic training commander for the March 2021 recruits. After completing his role, he attended the officers' course, after which he returned to be a platoon commander at the Givati Brigade training base. After 8 months in this role, he became an instructors' team commander at Bahad 1 in the "Lehav" course, where he trained two teams in the basic phase of the officers' course. In his last role, he deliberated between becoming the deputy commander of a basic training company or the deputy commander of the “Mivtzait" company of the Shaked Battalion, ultimately deciding to go to the battalion to gain operational experience.

Yaron fell in battle on December 26, 2023, in Daraj Tufah while serving as the deputy commander of the “Mivtzait” company in the Shaked He was killed in an encounter with five terrorists who infiltrated the building where his company was stationed. By being the first to engage the terrorists, he saved the rest of his soldiers from a much worse incident. His soldiers and commanders described him as always knowing how to be a tough commander with the biggest heart. He knew how to demand and push them to their limits but cared for each person under his command both in the brigade and at Bahad 1. 

He was a man of kindness, with a huge smile, and a professional in everything he did.

Final letter -

My dear beloved family.

Who is supposed to teach a 23 year old to write such a letter?

What a special and fantastic country…

I feel privileged to take part in the defence of the country, even if I complain all day that my bum hurts from sitting in a Namer (Armored Personnel Carrier) for forty straight hours!

I feel part of the history that is being written now for the State of Israel!

Mom, Dad, Doron, Dandan, Dovie, Yaeli – THANKS!!

Thank you for educating me about Sanctifying God, kindness and love for the Land.

It’s all thanks to you and yours!

If it wasn’t for the crazy family you are, who raised me up and didn’t give up on me and raised me on values and love for the country, I wouldn’t be where I am now (protecting the country, not in the grave ha ha).

I feel proud to go in and fight Hamas under the banner of the Chitiz family and the people of Israel.

Thank you for everything!

You are a family for the glory of the State of Israel!

שרים ומספידים לזכרו

Everyone that knows me knows that you are amongst the most important things in my life.

You are the air that I breathe, the laughter, this genuine friendship.

Dara, I love you, you are my life.

You give me the strength to continue.

I have no doubt that that my future must be with you – I hope that this letter is irrelevant and we will merit many years to build a beautiful family!

I love you all very much!

AM YISRAEL CHAI!

Youtube channel:

https://youtube.com/@rememberingyaron?si=ZRCD7y4m5UZrHsg0

IDO AVIV (z”l)

Ido Aviv was a radiant soul  full of warmth, kindness, and light. He loved the sea. He was a surf instructor at the “Surf Cycle” club, he dedicated himself to sharing his passion with children and teens,  teaching them not only how to ride the waves, but bringing hope, confidence, and joy into their lives.

When he answered the call to serve, he carried that same gentle spirit, loyalty, and dedication into his duty as a reservist in the 9232nd Armored Battalion.

Tragically, Ido fell in Gaza on April 28, 2024, in a battle during which he paid the ultimate price.

But Ido’s legacy lives on,  in the hearts of all he loved and helped, in the surfers he taught, in the lives he touched with his generosity and kindness, and in the memory of a young man who strove to live with joy, compassion and purpose.

May his memory be a blessing  may we honor him by living with the same courage, warmth, and love that he embodied.

NETANEL PESSACH (z”l)

Netanel Pessach tragically lost his life while serving in defense of his country. His commitment to protecting others and his bravery in the face of danger are a testament to his character and dedication.

Though his time with us was cut short, Netanel’s service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. He is remembered for his courage, his sense of duty, and the impact he had on those around him.

May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor his life by remembering the sacrifices made by those who serve.

REGEV AMAR REEF (z”l)

Regev Amar (z”l) was a 20-year-old paratrooper whose bravery, kindness, and love for Israel touched everyone who knew him. A nature lover, youth leader, and devoted friend, he dreamed of saving lives as a combat medic. On 7 October 2023, Regev fought with extraordinary courage to defend Kibbutz Kissufim, giving his life to protect others. His legacy lives on through the leadership academy founded in his memory, inspiring young people with the values he embodied — strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication to Am Yisrael.

SHOHAM MOSHE BEN HARUSH(z”l)

Shoam Moshe Ben Harush (z”l) was a courageous 20-year-old soldier from Haspin, member of the reconnaissance unit of the Nahal Brigade. On 7 October 2023, during a battle defending the outpost at Kerem Shalom, he was gravely wounded and later succumbed to his injuries.

Even in death, Shoam embodied selflessness: he was an organ donor, and his gift saved the lives of multiple people — a living legacy of hope and compassion. 

May Shoam’s memory be a blessing. His bravery, kindness, and devotion live on in the hearts of all who knew him and in the lives he touched.

May his memory be a blessing

MOSHE SHMUEL NOL (z”l)

Moshe Shmuel Nol (z”l), of Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef, Israel, was a devoted and courageous young man who combined deep religious faith with a commitment to serve his country.

Born to Rabbi David and Miriam Noll, Moshe was the fifth of six children and was known for his kindness, humility, and joyful spirit. Despite coming from a community where military service is rare, he chose to enlist in the Netzah Yehuda Battalion of the Kfir Brigade, embodying both devotion to Torah values and dedication to Israel. On July 7–8, 2025, during a ground operation in northern Gaza, Moshe was tragically killed in action.

His sacrifice touched his family, community, and all who knew him, leaving a lasting legacy of courage, faith, and commitment to the Jewish people.

May his memory be a blessing

NITAI METODI (z”l)

Nitai Metodi was a brave and devoted soldier who gave his life in defence of Israel. Known for his quiet strength, unwavering commitment, and deep love for his country, Nitai served with honour and humility. He stood side-by-side with his brothers-in-arms, driven by a profound sense of responsibility to protect the people of Israel and ensure a safer future for the next generation.

Those who knew him speak of his kindness, his calm presence, and the integrity with which he approached every task. Nitai’s courage on the battlefield reflected the values he carried every day loyalty, resilience, and an unshakable dedication to Am Yisrael.

His sacrifice will never be forgotten. May his memory be a blessing, and may his family find comfort in knowing that Israel stands because of heroes like Nitai.

 May his memory be a blessing

ROI POPPLEWELL  (z”l)

Roi Popplewell was a true “kibbutznik” was a devoted member of his community, a lover of animals, and a man defined by empathy and strength. Born and raised on Kibbutz Nirim, Roi lived a life rooted in connection to the land and to his fellow residents.

Roi had a special way with animals: he cared for them with patience and respect, often accompanied by the gentle loyalty of dogs and the quiet companionship of horses. His friends remember him as physically strong yet sensitive, with a genuine kindness that drew people and animals  to him effortlessly.

On 7 October 2023, during the attack on southern Israel, terrorists reached Nirim. Roi was shot and killed near his home,  one of the many victims that day.

He is survived by his mother and siblings, and mourned by a community forever changed by loss.

Roi is remembered for his quiet strength, his bond with the land and its creatures, and the warmth he offered to friends, neighbours, and animals alike.

May his memory be a blessing

NADAV POPPLEWELL  (z”l)

Nadav Popplewell was a gentle, thoughtful man who built his life on Kibbutz Nirim, where he was known for his kindness, quiet warmth, and love of learning. A talented computer specialist and an avid reader, he cherished his large collection of science-fiction and fantasy books.

Devoted to his family, Nadav was a loving son, brother, and uncle, always patient and caring with those around him.

On 7 October 2023, Nadav and his mother were taken captive during the Hamas attack on southern Israel. While his mother was later released, Nadav was murdered in captivity. His body was recovered in August 2024 and laid to rest beside his brother, Roi.

Nadav is remembered for his gentle spirit, his humility, and the quiet goodness he brought into the world.

May his memory be a blessing.

MARCELLE TALJAH  (z”l)

Marcelle Taljah was a devoted mother, grandmother, and proud Israeli–South African whose life reflected warmth, humility, and a deep love for the land of Israel. Born in South Africa, she made aliyah and built a home with her husband in the southern Hebron Hills, where they established a family farm rooted in care, hard work, and connection to the land.

Marcelle was known for her gentle nature, her generosity, and her unwavering dedication to her family. She raised four children with strong values, teaching them kindness, respect, and a profound appreciation for Israel.

On 7 October 2023, while visiting Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha to support her daughter and newborn grandchild, Marcelle was tragically murdered by terrorists. She is remembered as a woman who brought only goodness into the world, and whose legacy continues through her children and grandchildren.

May her memory be a blessing.

SAAR MARGOLIS  (z”l)

Saar Margolis was a devoted husband, father, and courageous protector of his community. Born in South Africa and later making his home on Kibbutz Kissufim, Saar dedicated his life to service ,  both as the kibbutz’s security coordinator and as a volunteer EMT with Magen David Adom.

Known for his generosity, warmth, and unwavering sense of responsibility, Saar was the person everyone trusted in times of need. He cared deeply for his family and community, always stepping forward to help others.

On 7 October 2023, when terrorists infiltrated Kissufim, Saar immediately moved to protect his wife and daughters before joining the rapid-response team. He fought tirelessly for hours to defend the kibbutz and to save lives. Saar was tragically killed in action while attempting to clear a home of terrorists, sacrificing himself in the ultimate act of courage and devotion.

Saar is remembered for his bravery, his kindness, and the deep love he carried for his family and his community. His legacy continues through his wife, Yasmin, their daughters Mia and Tavor, and all those whose lives he touched.

May his memory be a blessing.