Capt. Noam Ravid, z”l

Captain Noam Ravid, the son of Shlomit and Erez, and the brother of Gilad, Ido, and Talia, grew up in Ganei Tikva. He was a child with a contagious joy for life, sparkling eyes, and a smile that never left his face.

Noam was raised on the values of love for humankind, for the Jewish people, and for the country. He studied at the Ort Ma’arav Hashomron Yeshiva in Elkana and was considered an outstanding student – talented, sharp-minded, and diligent. He was a young man who always respected those around him, volunteered, helped, led, and inspired a positive atmosphere among his friends and teachers. During high school, Noam served as a counselor in the Bnei Akiva youth movement in his hometown of Ganei Tikva[nM1] . His students recall a beloved counselor – committed, dedicated, and invested – who left a lasting mark on everyone he met.

Noam was a beloved son, brother, and grandson, a true friend, and a wonderful partner. After high school, he continued to the Keshet Yehuda pre-military academy in the Golan Heights. At the academy, as in his yeshiva and youth movement, Noam was loved by all, a model of quality, excellence, and humility. That year revealed his deep love for the land, as well as his profound connection to the people and to the Land of Israel. It was during that time that his sense of responsibility and commitment to contributing to the country's security grew stronger.

Noam enlisted in the Combat Engineering Corps in the Yahalom Unit in August 2021. His teammates describe him as an exceptional soldier, a leader who always strived forward. Out of a deep sense of mission, Noam chose to attend officers’ course. After completing the course, he returned to his unit. He was considered a professional and courageous commander and officer. A people’s person, he always set a high standard and helped others reach it with determination and boundless love.

In his last role, Noam commanded a combat team in Yahalom. He was a valued, goal-driven commander, admired by all, whom everyone wanted to emulate – a man who radiated light and love, and who touched every heart. Noam’s smile and embrace, both as a commander and as a human being, left a deep impression on many.

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. Hundreds of security personnel fell in the battles. Following the attack, Israel entered a state of war. For long months, Noam led his team through numerous complex operations, in which he demonstrated initiative, leadership, creativity, determination, perseverance, courage, and self-sacrifice.

On May 3, 2025, Noam fell in battle in the southern Gaza Strip during the search for a tunnel shaft inside a building. He was 23 years old. Noam was laid to rest in the military section of the cemetery in Elkana.

May his memory be blessed.

[nM1]גני תקווה או שערי תקווה?