Capt. Rotem Levy, z”l

Captain (Res.) Rotem Yoseff Levy, the son of Michal and Assaf (Asi), brother to Roee, Adva, and Noga, and husband of Shoham, was born in Jerusalem and lived in Oranit. A redheaded boy, always smiling and full of joy, he grew into a charming young man, a leader, a guide, and a charismatic figure. Rotem studied at the Ort West Samaria Yeshiva High School and was an outstanding student – principled, generous, and full of love for others. During high school, he volunteered with Magen David Adom and directed a summer camp for children with special needs.

From an early age, Rotem had a passion for life. He was full of love. Love for people, for nature, for food. He possessed exceptional leadership skills, enormous willpower, and great diligence. He would set goals for himself and achieve them. He embodied a rare combination of contrasts – determination and achievement alongside sensitivity and humanity. Rotem was a sports enthusiast, a devoted fan of Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball, and an active member of the fan club.

He enlisted in the IDF in November 2017 in the elite Yahalom Unit of the Combat Engineering Corps. He was a skilled and highly regarded fighter. Out of a deep sense of mission, Rotem chose to attend the officers’ course. He graduated with honors and went on to become a team commander in the unit. His soldiers described him as a beloved commander, dedicated and task-oriented, always at the forefront as both a leader and a person. He led them with determination, professionalism, and endless love. Rotem believed that no mission was impossible and instilled in his soldiers the saying, “No mountain is too high.” He advanced through the ranks, took on various roles in the unit, and even attended the company commanders’ course. In the reserves, he served as deputy squadron commander in Yahalom.

Rotem dreamed of building a family and pursuing a career in medicine. At the age of 17, he met Shoham, and the two became a couple. Four years later, at the age of 21, they married. They shared a deep and great love. For Shoham, his family, his friends, and his soldiers, Rotem was a source of support and strength.

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 the battles. Following the attack, Israel entered a state of war. That very day, Rotem was called to the reserves. Throughout the war, Rotem led his soldiers with selflessness, professionalism, courage, and humility in many complex and dangerous missions. He was a source of courage, resilience, and inspiration for them – a role model and an example to follow.

On December 18, 2023, Rotem fell in battle in the northern Gaza Strip while leading his soldiers and standing at the head of his force. He was 24 years old. Rotem was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Petah Tikva. His wife, Shoham, eulogized him at his grave: “You will be with me in my heart for eternity.”

May his memory be blessed.