Eliav Haim Tzapalamus

Eliav Haim Tzapalamus of Haifa was the son of Hali and Beni, Liel's older brother and Inbar's partner. In the eulogies delivered at his funeral, his mother described her firstborn son, who brought light, laughter and meaning into their home, and his concern for others. His sister spoke of the example he set for her, his help with her studies and the Sabbath observance they shared. She remembered a brother who stood beside her and helped her find her way.

Eliav served as a combat officer in the 603rd Combat Engineering Battalion of the 7th Golan Storm Brigade. At his funeral, the battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ran, described a responsible officer who cared for his soldiers, with a gentle manner and a sense of humor. He said he had given Eliav his lieutenant's rank three months earlier. After his death, Eliav was promoted to captain. In conversations about his service with his sister, he also spoke openly about his fear of entering Lebanon, alongside his commitment to his soldiers.

After his death, people came to the family home and told his parents of help he had given them quietly. His father described families who came to thank them for the assistance they had received over the years. His mother said he would encourage his soldiers to lead courageously and remain humble. His parents' words linked his way of commanding with the personal generosity they knew in him, and at his funeral his family also spoke of his modesty and concern for those around him.

On 8 October 2026, 27 Tishrei 5787, Eliav was killed when the Humvee in which he was traveling overturned during operational activity in South Lebanon, in the Litani area. Three other soldiers were lightly wounded. The official announcement stated that he had fallen in combat, aged twenty-one. Inbar, his partner of five years, said farewell at the funeral to the future they had planned together. His parents sought answers about the circumstances of the accident, and the IDF announced that the incident was under investigation and that its findings would be presented to the family. May his memory be a blessing.