Sgt. 1st Class Noam Michael Barnea, z”l

Sergeant First Class Noam Michael Barnea was born in Brussels, Belgium, while his parents were on a public mission there. He was the son of Ada and Aharon, and the brother of Dana and Alon. His mother called him a “sun child,” a symbol of the light and energy he brought to the world. A magical child, full of knowledge and curiosity. The year he was born, the President of Egypt came to Israel for the first time. The bells of peace could be heard, and Noam’s parents hoped that their smiling, beautiful baby would never know war.

When Noam was one year old, his family returned to Israel and settled in Holon. The family often went hiking together, and little Noam, who loved trips, would gaze with curiosity, wonder, and excitement at every flower and lizard.

Noam began his studies at Sirkin Elementary School in Holon. Later, he joined the gifted class at A.D. Gordon School. Noam fit easily into the class. He participated in numerous extracurricular activities, including chess, tennis, and creative writing. In high school, he studied at Eilon School. He was both a camper and a counselor in the Scouts, participated in hiking groups, played beach volleyball, scuba-dived, abseiled, and was surrounded by friends.

A charming young man who was always ready to help and showed exceptional social involvement. Charismatic, determined, with a great sense of humor and a phenomenal memory, he never hesitated to voice his opinion. At the age of 16, he was selected to join a delegation of young ambassadors, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education. For six weeks, he spoke at schools in the United States about Israel. By 11th grade, he had already completed most of his matriculation exams, most at the five-unit level. He was ambitious, highly motivated, and eager to seize every moment of life.

In July 1995, Noam enlisted in the IDF, first joining the pilot training course. He was dropped after the “checks” stage and asked to follow his brother into the EOD Unit. Noam completed the training successfully and became a respected and beloved fighter in the unit. The unit commander described him as “a dominant figure in the company and in the entire unit.”

Noam completed his mandatory service in September 1998 and began his career service. He spent long periods in Lebanon. At the same time, he started preparing for his discharge from the IDF. He had already found a job for after his big trip, planned to continue his studies, and even managed to take the psychometric exam.

Two weeks before his discharge from the IDF, Noam went to Lebanon for the last time. He felt a deep commitment to his team. Although he could have asked to be released, he chose instead to enter Lebanon and remain with his soldiers.

On April 12, 1999, five days before his release from career service, Noam was killed by a Hezbollah explosive device near Beaufort, during an operational mission in Lebanon. He was 22 years old. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Holon. On the lapel of his shirt was a button his mother had given him, “to come back safely from Lebanon.”

May his memory be blessed.