Crowds Gather to Honor Fallen Israeli Soldier Alon Farkas at Funeral

Hundreds gathered in Kibbutz Kabri on Thursday morning to bid farewell to St.-Sgt.-Maj. (Res.) Alon Farkas, a 27-year-old reservist in the 6646 Reconnaissance Battalion of the Shu’alei Marom Brigade, who fell in combat in Gaza’s Shajaiya neighborhood.

Farkas, known for his intellect and gentle spirit, was killed during a military operation in northern Gaza that also seriously wounded another soldier. With nearly 300 days of reserve duty to his name, he had earned a reputation among comrades as a dependable fighter who never hesitated when called to serve.

Born and raised in the tight-knit community of Kabri, Alon was a man of many talents. He studied neuroscience and cognition at Ben-Gurion University, had a passion for theater and sports, and had served as a youth counselor in his younger years. Friends described him as both brilliant and big-hearted a rare combination that touched everyone he encountered.

His partner, Oriya Sadeh, read from a letter she had written for the wedding they were planning. Through tears, she spoke of the quiet joy of simply being by his side. “I promise you and God that I will always be with you. I am yours forever,” she said, concluding with the lyrics of his favorite song, “Gracias a la vida.”

His mother, Daniela, remembered her son as a joyful soul who embraced life, loved deeply, and dreamed of serving Israel abroad. “You loved Oriya, you loved your sister Noa, and you loved this country with all your heart,” she said. “You wanted to be an ambassador now you are one, in the truest sense.”

Lt. Col. Rotem, representing the IDF, praised Alon’s courage and character. “When the war broke out, you cut short a trip in Europe and returned to serve, without hesitation. You were ready for every mission, even the most difficult. Your loss is a national one.”

Close friend Daniel, one of “The Biker Boys” from the kibbutz, spoke on behalf of their tight-knit group. “We were seven now we are six,” he said, recalling Alon as “the professor of the group, with a huge heart.”

In a world often marked by noise and chaos, Alon Farkas stood as a quiet force of dedication, intellect, and love. His memory lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the nation he served with unwavering devotion.

Share Alon’s story and honor his memory by staying connected subscribe to our newsletter.