Capt. Roey Biber, z”l

Captain (Res.) Roey Biber, son of Keren and Ran, brother of Shiri and Zohar, and partner of Maya, was born in Ramat Gan. Later, his family moved to Bat Hefer and spent time on a professional mission in Ireland, but most of Roey’s childhood was spent in the moshav Tzur Moshe in the Sharon region, which he called “the biggest moshav in Israel.”

Roey was a sweet child, full of humor, with a big smile and shining blue eyes. He studied at the “Becher Russo” elementary school and later attended “Dror” high school, where he was an outstanding student and served as chair of the student council. Throughout his childhood and youth, Roey was actively involved in the Bnei HaMoshavim youth movement, where he served as both a counselor and coordinator. Roey loved all kinds of sports. He especially loved basketball. He followed NBA games, was a fan of the Detroit Pistons and of Hapoel Tel Aviv. He also loved reading and hiking, enjoyed music and cinema, and was a regular viewer of cycling and motorcycle races.

After high school, Roey volunteered for a pre-army year of service in Paran and Ein Yahav. That year, he also stood out as a conversationalist, empathetic, charismatic, and always surrounded by a close group of friends. Before every outing, Roey would make sure they were “coming to win.” He was modest and talented, full of joy for life, and loved by everyone.

In November 2014, Roey enlisted in the IDF, joining the elite Yahalom Unit. After completing his training course, he went on to officers’ course. He graduated with distinction. His first position as an officer was platoon commander in Battalion 603. Later, he served as deputy company commander during Operation Northern Shield, aimed to expose Hezbollah tunnels, and then as a team commander in Yahalom. In all of his roles, Roey was a fighter, commander, and exemplary officer – an admired figure and role model.

After his discharge, Roey studied mechanical engineering at Ben-Gurion University while living with his partner, Maya.

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. As soon as he heard about the attack, Roey immediately reported to his unit. He joined the ground maneuver in Gaza as a platoon battle team commander in Yahalom, attached to a training base battalion. Together with his soldiers, he undertook numerous missions that required courage, leadership, and devotion.

On November 18, 2023, Roey fell in a life-saving operationalactivity in the Netzarim corridor, after locating and destroying a munitions and explosives workshop. He was 28 years old. Roey was laid to rest in the cemetery in Tzur Moshe.

May his memory be blessed.