Yuval (Lulu) Peretz

Yuval Peretz, known to those close to him as Lulu, was born in Shoresh on 3 November 2003 to Rachel and Yigal, brother of Gali and Ayelet. He grew up in the Jerusalem hills, attended Alon School in Kiryat Anavim and later HaYuval Middle School and Harel High School in Mevaseret Zion. His teachers remembered his curiosity and his involvement in school life. He was interested in history and philosophy, loved books and also knew how to connect with people whose interests differed from his own.

As a teenager, he was active in the Yonatan Scouts troop, where important friendships took shape. Alongside the movement, he pursued sports: he played football for Mevaseret Zion's children's team, serving as captain for a time, and also trained in martial arts. The family home was a meeting place for friends, and Yuval shared a love of many kinds of music with his father. He spoke openly with his mother, and his sisters recalled the joy and laughter he brought to their lives.

After high school, he chose to study at the Negev pre-military academy in Sde Boker. He traveled and volunteered, learned about Ben-Gurion's legacy and made new friends. In August 2023, he enlisted in the Golani Brigade and began training as a combat soldier. His commander described his willingness to take part in every task and his desire to advance. Yuval looked forward to the beret march and the completion of his training, after which he was due to attend a squad commanders' course. Even during his leave, he made sure to meet friends and maintain the relationships he had built.

While on leave, he felt unwell and was taken to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. There it became clear that an aggressive bacterium had attacked his body, and on 10 February 2024 he died at the age of twenty. Yuval was laid to rest in Shoresh and was posthumously promoted to sergeant. He was survived by his parents and two sisters. Among the ways he is commemorated is a white wine bearing his name, intended to recall his love of life and his joy. May his memory be a blessing.