Staff Sgt. Zaur-Zohar Smaylaiev, z”l

Staff Sergeant Zaur-Zohar Smaylaiev, the son of Larisa and Yuri and brother to Diana, Nurmurd, and Izabella, was born in the city of Derbent, in the Caucasus region of Russia. A handsome, quiet child, he was the light of his family.

Until fourth grade, Zaur studied in an academic class at the “Tsibourashka” school in his hometown. When he was ten years old, his family immigrated to Israel and settled in the city of Ofakim. Zaur attended the New Immigrants School and was an outstanding student, always smiling and radiating warmth. He later attended the city’s high school, where he quickly integrated, excelling especially in computers and mathematics, and becoming a wise, well-liked, and respected young man.

Zaur was also an outstanding athlete, particularly in soccer. In his free time, he played soccer and tennis and enjoyed working on the computer. He participated in games and competitions, winning many medals. He did everything with modesty and humility.

Zaur had a unique bond with his family. He respected his parents and was an exemplary son and brother.

In December 2002, Zaur enlisted in the IDF’s Combat Engineering Corps. He was determined to serve in a meaningful combat role. In the army, too, Zaur strove for excellence. Upon completing basic and advanced training, he participated in exercises at Tzukei Uvda and completed the “Saar” assault rifle marksman course. He completed the squad leaders’ course, was certified as a “Puma” armored vehicle driver and operator of an armored personnel carrier, and was assigned to the Gaza Division’s elite Tunnel Unit – a unit that demanded courage and great mental strength.

As a soldier, Zaur was respected and loved – a professional, dedicated, and exceptionally fit individual, always the fastest runner among his friends and commanders. His commander said, “Zaur took every mission seriously and carried it out in the best possible way. He was full of determination.”

Zaur was proud to serve in the Tunnel Unit. He demonstrated determination and courage. His last mission was to locate a terror tunnel near the Tarmit outpost along the Philadelphi Route.

On May 12, 2004, Zaur fell in operational activity when an RPG missile hit the APC he was traveling in on the Philadelphi Route in Rafah. He was 19.5 years old. He was laid to rest in the military section of the Ofakim cemetery. Three of Zaur’s comrades were also killed – Master Sergeant Iman Gadir, Staff Sergeant Lior Vishinsky, and Sergeant Elad Cohen – and the Tunnel Unit’s commander, Captain Aviv Hakani. Zaur’s friends brought his parents his gray beret, found at the scene of the disaster, almost untouched. “You are our hero,” his sister wrote.

May his memory be blessed.