The Way of Noam – In Memory of Sgt Noam Bitan

The Way of Noam is more than a name. It is a path of gentleness and strength, of simplicity and deep humanity, of a young man whose smile lit up every room and whose heart embraced everyone around him. Noam Bitan z”l grew up as a lively, mischievous boy with a big grin and kind eyes, always searching for his own way. At the Boyar boarding school in Jerusalem, where he arrived as a teenager, he was still playful, testing boundaries—but there he discovered a new spark: his love for running. What began with short sprints along Jerusalem’s paths grew into full marathons. Running gave him discipline, perseverance, and above all, inner resilience—a gift he carried with him everywhere. After high school, Noam continued to the Paran pre-military academy, where he wrote his own “Ten Commandments”—simple yet profound life mottos that guided him and those around him: “A true lion doesn’t need to roar for others to know he is king.” “Be happy even with the small things—everything is for the best.” Noam was a natural leader, but never with force. He listened, he laughed, he placed a hand on your shoulder and made you feel like his closest friend. In the Givati Reconnaissance Unit, Noam became a devoted commander and beloved fighter. His sense of mission burned within him. On October 7th, he wrote to his brother Haggai: “If something happens to me, tell everyone there’s no one happier than me to be defending the country I love so much.” That was Noam—rooted in simple Zionism, with faith in the path and a boundless love for people. Even in the midst of battle, he kept a small journal and wrote: “Fear is just a tiny dot in your head—you must never let it grow.” He believed that strength comes from allowing yourself to feel, that embracing emotions makes you stronger, not weaker. On May 18th, 2024 (10 Iyar 5784), Noam fell in battle in Rafah. He was only 20 years old. His life was cut short, but The Way of Noam—his path of joy, humility, and giving—remains etched deeply in the hearts of all who knew him. Continuing His WayTo ensure Noam’s light does not remain only a memory, we founded the “The Way of Noam” Association—a home for good deeds carried out in his spirit. The association works to continue the values he lived by: love for others, mutual responsibility, simple generosity, and joy of life. Our projects are born from the very places Noam loved: • Noam’s Lookout in Moshav Yad Rambam – behind his family home, in the spot where he would run, sit with friends or on his own, and dream ahead. A place in nature that reflects the way he lived: a pause in the race of life, a moment of connection to yourself and to others, and a gaze forward to the horizon. Visitors to the lookout will be able to experience the peace, warmth, and connection that Noam so cherished. The lookout is not only a stone of remembrance but a living place—continuing to tell his story and pass on his values of simplicity, love of nature, connection to people, and always looking forward. • Noam’s Coffee Cart at the Ein Carmit educational residence near Beit Zayit Reservoir – a cart operated by youth that will become a warm, welcoming meeting place. Passersby will be able to stop for coffee, hear Noam’s story, and feel part of his way. The cart will also sell agricultural produce from the boarding school—berries, honey, and more—giving students hands-on work experience in a safe, supportive environment. All proceeds will go toward food baskets, scholarships for at-risk youth, and educational projects. Why Now?We are at a decisive moment. To establish the coffee cart, we need to purchase and equip it, adapt its design as a living memorial, obtain licenses, prepare the site, and cover initial operating costs. The cart will run on a non-profit basis, with every shekel beyond expenses dedicated to scholarships in Noam’s name for disadvantaged youth. To complete the lookout, prepare the land, and secure the necessary permits—we need partners. Now is the time to turn this dream into reality, so that everyone walking the trails of Jerusalem, or pausing at Noam’s Lookout, will encounter his story, his smile, his way. Every contribution is not just a building block in a memorial—it is a choice to carry The Way of Noam forward. To continue living as he did: with generosity, brotherhood, and love for humanity. Thank you! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ein Carmit Educational Residence is a home for youth who want to grow and develop, a home where they can dream and work towards realizing their dreams. At the residence, located in the campus of Ein Karem Agricultural Youth Village, the students are supported in fulfilling their academic potential, enjoying experiential learning combined with a rich social life, education for values, and a variety of extracurricular activities. Ein Carmit Educational Residence and Boyar Educational Residence, where Noam received his education, were both established and are operated by the Society for Advancement in Education, Jerusalem.