Yair's Spring

Yair was quiet, powerful, funny, outgoing, driven, and brimming with love for both people and his country, Israel. He was born and raised in Samaria, where he lived his whole life. Yair was instilled with values such as human dignity and love of others. He studied at Ahavat Hayim [Love of Life] high-school yeshiva in Kochav HaShachar, and later attended the premilitary academy in Jaffa, where he delved deep into the connection between identity and social commitment. Having graduated from the premilitary academy, he pursued his dream – being at the forefront of Israel’s defense. On 15 August, 2023, Yair joined the IDF’s Givati Brigade with the clear aim of being at the forefront, and was a frontline Negev shooter. During the difficult and challenging training he underwent, he exhibited dedication, determination, modestly, and comradery. Yair chose to give his all during his military service, and when his many talents were discovered, he was asked to take a commanders’ training course. However, Yair strongly objected to these prospects, stating: “I’ll never leave my team”, and so he did not. He was a true fighter – in body and spirit. On 10 June, 2024, while canvassing for Hamas terror tunnels in Rafah, Yair was killed along with four other members of his elite unit: Maj. Tal Pshebilski (Shaulov), Ssgt. Eitan Karlsbrun, Sgt. Almog Shalom and Sgt. Yair Roitman when a boobytrapped building collapsed on top of them. Yair left behind a legacy of depth, faith, dedication, and modesty. His friends and commanders describe him as a pillar of inner calm, a man who fought for good without standing out, was always there for others, and shone brightly. Now – we follow in his footsteps. In Ginot Shomron, just 3km away from the cemetery where Yair is buried, we are creating a spring in his memory that will serve as a place of tranquility, attentiveness, encounters, and unity. A space that will be an embodiment of the values instilled in Yair – love of Israel, connecting people, laughter, and an inescapable love of life. Join us and play your part in Yair’s commemoration.