Master Sgt. Amit Shahar, z”l

Master Sergeant (Res.) Amit Moshe Shahar, the eldest son of Osnat and Eyal, a beloved brother to Dor and Rom, was born and raised in Kibbutz Ramat Yohanan. He was a cheerful child, with a golden heart and a captivating smile, who always saw the good in everything. Amit studied at “Carmel Zvulun” High School. During those years, his personality developed into that of a principled, intelligent, and sensitive young man. A modest and humble boy who brought light wherever he went, salt of the earth, the center and glue of the group, the one everyone was glad to be around, and who was loved by all. He was a sports enthusiast, especially soccer. He loved spending time with friends, playing soccer and volleyball, and was a devoted Chelsea fan. Amit also loved listening to music, especially the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Aviv Geffen, and Berry Sakharof.

He was a devoted son and a cherished brother who always chose the path of excellence and contribution. He was a man of conversation, patient, attentive to the needs of others, someone who put others before himself, and who was always ready to help and volunteer. Tough and rugged on the outside, yet with a gentle and tender soul, he wanted only to do good.

After high school, Amit volunteered for a year of service at Kibbutz Nir Oz in the Gaza Envelope. In the kibbutz, he was “adopted” by the Engel family. Amit formed a deep bond with the family and maintained it over the years.

In November 2018, Amit enlisted in the Combat Engineering Corps, in the elite Yahalom Unit. He served as a fighter and combat medic in the unit’s Sayeret Yael. Amit was a skilled, responsible, and compassionate medic, respected and loved by all. After completing his military service, he hiked the Israel National Trail and then traveled for an extended trip across South America. He wanted to devour the world.

On October 7, 2023, the holiday of 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. Hundreds of members of the security forces fell in the battles. 

That morning, Amit’s adoptive family, the Engels, were also abducted from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Ronnen Engel, the father, was murdered in Hamas captivity, while the mother and daughters returned after many long days. Following the attack, Israel went to war. As soon as Amit heard of the attack, and before he was even called up, he rushed to join his unit. He told his parents, “When they are firing on Nir Oz and Sderot, I cannot sit and wait at home.”

During the war, Amit participated in complex operations, demonstrating courage, determination, and selflessness. On January 8, 2024, Amit fell in battle in the central Gaza Strip. He was 25 years old. Amit was laid to rest in the civilian cemetery in Ramat Yohanan, a week after his birthday.

May his memory be blessed.