Maj. Natan Nati Yahav, z”l

Major (Res.) Natan Yahav, son of Margalit and Shalom, brother of Hagit and Neta, husband of Sharon, and father of Noam and Yahli, was born in Tel Aviv. He was named after his uncle, who fell in the War of Independence. From childhood, Nati was fascinated by cars and airplanes, could identify them, and loved assembling their models. He studied at the “Etzion” state religious elementary school. Later, he attended the ORT Technikum high school in Givatayim, where he specialized in automation and control. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and funny. Everyone wanted to be around him.

In 1988, Nati enlisted in the IDF's Yael Reconnaissance Unit. After completing officers' course, he was appointed an engineering officer in the unit and became a respected and beloved commander. He was discharged from the IDF but continued serving in the reserves, where he joined the Paratroopers’ Engineering Battalion, first as a reconnaissance platoon commander, and later as the commander of a company he established. He invested countless reserve days in building the special company, selecting its soldiers from the Yael Unit’s veterans, inspecting equipment, and serving as a role model for his troops. For his service, he received an award on Independence Day 2005 as an outstanding officer.

At the same time, he completed a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and began working as an engineer at Motorola (later “Freescale”). He started his days with cycling or running on the beach. He rollerbladed, worked out at the gym, and often went diving. Thanks to his leadership, professionalism, and dedication, he quickly advanced at work to the position of team leader, promoted and developed projects, and earned great appreciation.

Family was Nati’s entire world. In May 1999, he married his beloved Sharon, and together they made their home in Kiryat Ono, where their children Noam and Yahli were born. Despite his many commitments, Nati devoted every moment he could to his family, showering them with endless love. He loved hiking, especially in Israel. He was moved by every plant and flower, by animals, by the stars in the sky, and above all by his children, whom he raised to love people and the land. Together with his wife, Nati dreamed of buying a new home and expanding the family. “You were a steadfast pillar of sanity, honesty, and boundless love,” Sharon said. “You gave us your unique way of seeing all those things we usually take for granted.”

Nati was a man of giving. An optimist, encouraging, always cheerful. Principled and full of love for people.

In July 2006, the Second Lebanon War broke out, and Nati was called up under an emergency order. On August 8, he entered Lebanon with his company. Their destination was the village of Rashaf. On the way, they took shelter in the village of Debel.

On August 9, 2006, Nati fell in battle in southern Lebanon with eight of his soldiers. Two missiles struck the house where they were staying in Debel. He was 36 years old. He was laid to rest at the Kiryat Shaul Military Cemetery. At the funeral, his father eulogized him: “My son, would that I could die in your place today.”

May his memory be blessed.