Avishai Harer

Avishai Harer was born on July 15, 1986, 8 Tammuz 5746, and grew up in Omer. He was the son of Mira and Yoram and the brother of Natali and Oren. As an adult he married Hodia, and they had four children: Itamar, Adi, Yotam and Noam. He lived in Kochav HaShahar, in the Binyamin region. The documented account of his life connects the place where he grew up, the family he built and the community where he lived with many years of service in the IDF.

On August 15, 2004, Avishai enlisted in the IDF and served in the Human Resources Corps. He continued into career service and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. Among his roles, he commanded the Placement Center. In his farewell address on leaving that position, he described establishing the placement field in the army and making career service members, wounded soldiers and commanders at every level partners in it. His words emphasized building a process that becomes an experience and a place founded on the belief that things can be done differently.

In a remembrance published after the thirtieth-day observance following his death, Brigadier General Liat Shabo described him as the founder of the Placement Center and the person who laid its professional and ethical foundations. She recalled a commander who connected people with a shared path and vision with action, a steady and determined person who helped those around him grow as well. At the heart of her remembrance was more than his job title: it was the way he built something new and influenced the people who worked alongside him.

On 21 Tevet 5786, January 10, 2026, Avishai fell during his service in the war, aged thirty-nine. He was laid to rest in the military section of the cemetery in Omer, where he had grown up. Hundreds attended his funeral. He left behind Hodia and their four children, his parents, his brother and his sister. In her farewell, Liat Shabo addressed his family and recalled the legacy that remained in the hearts of his subordinates, friends and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. May his memory be a blessing.