Ari Goldberg

Ari Malachi Goldberg, the son of Chava Moria and Adam Matityahu, was born on 17 May 2002. His father wrote that he was born in San Diego and grew up in Virginia. There were five children in the family. Ari attended schools in the Tidewater area and graduated from Maury High School in 2020. Alongside his schooling, he trained in carpentry and welding. His father described a resourceful person who loved making things with his hands and doing things for others.

In 2022, Ari came to Israel for a year of study at the Ruach HaNegev pre-military academy. During that year, he chose to immigrate to Israel and later made his home in Dimona. The head of the academy, Eitan Zivan, said that the Fish family took him in and helped him find an apartment and become part of the community. Ari loved the desert and community life in the city. According to remarks by the mayor reported in Walla, he would join others for Shabbat meals, bringing a dish or dessert he had made.

On 2 January 2024, Ari enlisted in the IDF and served in the Combat Engineering Corps. A family interview reported that he was a combat soldier in the 603rd Battalion. His family described his service as a choice rooted in a sense of mission, and the friendships among the soldiers as an important part of his life. His brother Ze'ev remembered him as a protector and close friend, while his sister Tzipora spoke of his humor and ability to bring joy to simple moments. His parents recalled his cooking, repairs, and woodcarving, and his willingness to help without asking for anything in return.

Sergeant Ari Goldberg died during his military service in the war. Izkor records the date of his death as 11 Tevet 5786, 31 December 2025, at the age of twenty-three. He was buried in the military section of Dimona Cemetery and is survived by his parents and siblings. His father wrote about an initiative to establish a home for lone soldiers in the city, to be called Lev Ari. The home was intended to carry forward his love of hospitality and community, and to help others find the sense of home and belonging that he gave those around him. May his memory be a blessing.