Matan Cohen

Matan Cohen, the son of Ya'ala and Ronen and brother of Adar and Or, was born on 5 June 2005 and grew up in Sha'arei Tikva. He attended the ORT Ma'arav HaShomron Yeshiva in Elkana. His school's memorial website describes a young man whom his friends knew as witty, intelligent, cheerful and caring. Alongside his self-confidence and strong presence, it recalls his modesty and his ability to listen and make those around him feel welcome. He often volunteered and offered help, and was a friend people could rely on.

In Sha'arei Tikva, Matan was active in Bnei Akiva's Sinai group. He coordinated the Nachshon team and was well loved by the young people in his care. His friends remembered his humor and the way he led their Friday-night gatherings. He loved playing football and supported Barcelona. The account on the ORT website brings together his youth-movement activities, friendships and service to others: Matan knew how to be at the center of a group while also noticing the person beside him, listening and helping when needed.

Music held a central place in his world. Matan wrote songs, composed and sang; some of his works were arranged and uploaded to YouTube, while others remained in the drawer. His life story on Izkor describes music as a way of expressing his sensitivity and inner world. Alongside the joy in life and the jokes his friends knew, he had creativity and the ability to give his experiences a personal voice through writing and singing.

On 9 August 2023, Matan enlisted in the IDF and served in the Armored Corps. He was a tank commander and training NCO, excelled in his service and earned the esteem of his commanders and comrades. Sergeant Matan Cohen fell in the line of duty during the war on 26 April 2025, aged nineteen. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Petah Tikva. His memory lives on in his friends' stories and the songs he created, alongside his commemoration on the Izkor and ORT websites. May his memory be a blessing.