Alon Shamriz, z”l

Alon Shamriz, the son of Dikla and Avraham, brother to Yonatan, Ido, and Roni, was born and raised in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. A bright and beloved boy, full of joy for life, he was always surrounded by friends. Alon was part of the “Eshel” group in the kibbutz. He studied at Sha’ar HaNegev High School and was a sociable and talented student. Alon devoted many hours to basketball and was a fan of Maccabi Tel Aviv. On the court, as in life, Alon was a spirited player – defensive-minded, fighting for every ball, and doing everything with his characteristic smile.

Alon enlisted in the IDF’s Engineering Corps in November 2016. After completing basic training and selection, he joined the elite Yahalom Unit, becoming a skilled, professional, and well-liked combat soldier.

After completing his military service, Alon returned to the kibbutz and helped his brother establish a new business. He and his brothers shared a deep bond, a unique sense of humor, and a common language, often spending long hours together. Alon enjoyed playing video games, cards, and snooker, and he admired snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan. He took every opportunity to spend time with friends, laugh, and spread joy.

In 2022, Alon traveled in South America. Upon his return, he began planning his future, playing basketball with the local team and enrolling in computer engineering studies.

On October 7, 2023, Simchat Torah 5784, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack on Israel. Under the cover of barrages of thousands of rockets, thousands of armed terrorists crossed the border into Israel, infiltrating cities and taking control of communities, outposts, and bases. The terrorists murdered around eight hundred civilians and abducted hundreds of Israelis to the Gaza Strip. More than 60 residents of Kibbutz Kfar Aza were murdered that day, and about 20 were kidnapped to Gaza. Hundreds of security personnel fell in the battles. Following the attack, Israel went to war. When the attack began, Alon was at home in the Young Neighborhood of Kfar Aza. He entered the safe room. Soon after, reports came in of terrorists infiltrating the kibbutz. Alon’s brother, Ido, wrote to him: “You’re strong, I love you.” To a message from his other brother, Yonatan, Alon replied with a red heart emoji. After that, contact with him was lost. For two weeks, Alon was considered missing. Two weeks later, his family was informed that he had been kidnapped to Gaza. Alon survived 70 days in Hamas captivity together with two other hostages, Yotam Haim and Samar Talalka – first in underground tunnels and later in an abandoned building in Shuja’iyya. At a certain point, the three managed to escape, moving from place to place with unimaginable ingenuity and courage, evading Hamas terrorists and making every effort to reach IDF soldiers.

On December 15, 2023 (3 Tevet 5784), Alon was mistakenly shot and killed by IDF fire. Yotam Haim and Samar Talalka were also killed in the same incident. Alon was 26 years old. He was laid to rest in the cemetery at Kibbutz Shfayim. His brother promised: “We will make sure your name becomes a symbol – a symbol of hope and a symbol of a revolution.”

May his memory be blessed.