Capt. Ron Efrimi, z”l

Captain (Res.) Ron Efrimi, the eldest son of Yehudit and Shmuel, brother of Omri and Gal, and partner of Gefen, was born and raised in Hod HaSharon. He was a bright and cheerful child who brought joy to those around him. Ron grew up to be a fine young man, principled and talented, who combined his love for music with leadership and values. In seventh grade, he joined a musical ensemble where he played bass guitar. He studied in the music track at Ilan Ramon High School in Hod HaSharon and was an outstanding student. In his free time, he was both a participant and a counselor in the HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed youth movement. Ron used to say that his superpower was people, and indeed, throughout his life, he touched countless lives. He knew how to build meaningful relationships and was always surrounded by friends. He possessed a wide-ranging knowledge, particularly in the history of the Land of Israel and the Middle East, and was a fascinating and attentive conversationalist.

From a young age, Ron knew he wanted a meaningful service in the IDF. At the beginning of 11th grade, he began training with the “Yachdav – Combat Fitness” group in Hod HaSharon, which specializes in preparing youth for combat service. After high school, he attended the “Tavor” pre-military program. During that year, he absorbed and internalized the values of leadership, love of humanity and the land, and the heritage of the Jewish people throughout the generations.

Ron enlisted in the Combat Engineering Corps’ elite Yahalom Unit in November 2016. At the end of an intensive training track, he was asked to move into command but chose first to fulfill himself as a fighter. Later, he attended officers’ course and returned to the unit to command a team. These were the days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Ron faced complex challenges. He was an admired and beloved commander, a role model. Afterward, he was appointed head of the Samur specialty in Yahalom, the unit’s top professional authority in underground warfare, a position in which he felt great fulfillment. After serving for five and a half years in the IDF, he was discharged and was about to begin his undergraduate studies in computer engineering.

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 security personnel fell in battle. Following the attack, Israel entered a state of war. When the assault began, Ron was at home. That same evening, he reported to his unit, filled with a deep sense of mission. During the war, Ron commanded a team of reservists. He undertook complex missions that demanded courage, determination, leadership, and strength.

On January 8, 2024, Ron fell in battle in the central Gaza Strip. He was 26 years old. Ron was laid to rest in the military cemetery at Neve Hadar. His brother eulogized him: “We will always remember you as a figure to look up to.”

May his memory be blessed.