IDF spokesman told family: death of Lt. Hadar Goldin hy"d determined

The IDF spokesman says that yesterday (Saturday night) at 23:25 the chief military rabbi, Brigadier - Gen. Rafi Peretz, who headed a special Beis Din set up for this purpose, determined the death of IDF officer, Lt. Hadar Goldin.

Lt. Hadar Goldin was a fighter and commander of the "Givati" brigade and fell in a battle in Rafah in the Gaza Strip on Friday, 5th Av. Along with him, were killed Lt. - Major Benaya Sarel and Sergeant Liel Gidoni.

The decision on determining his death, was received by the IDF according to the findings brought from the battle front and with medical, halachic and other relevant considerations.

The message was delivered to the family by the Head of Personnel, Major General Orna Barbibay and Chief Military Rabbi, Brigadier - Gen. Rafi Peretz. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined them by phone in a meeting with members of the Goldin family.

'The family receives with great sorrow the determination of the competent IDF officials who determined the death of Hadar," said Amihai Attali, a spokesman for the family." In this difficult hour, the family wishes to thank all the people of Israel for the warm embrace and support. The Goldin family calls on all citizens of Israel to come and escort Hadar on his last journey."

Only at about 3:00 am, did the chief military rabbi, Brigadier - Gen. Rafi Peretz, leave the Goldin family home. "This is a strong family," he said as he left the house.


Listen to a special interview of Hadar Goldin hy"d and his brother on Channel 7


Immediately after Shabbos, the father, Dr. Simha Goldin, gave a statement to the media outside his house, and said: "I am a reserve battalion commander, I did reserve duty until the age of 50 and I can not imagine that the IDF would abandon its fighter. My Commander was (Chief of Staff) Benny Gantz, and I know it can not be that he would give an order to the IDF to leave somewhere when a soldier is left inside."

Even before learning of the terrible news about the passing of Hadar, hundreds of people gathered in a spontaneous prayer and encouragement rally in front of the Goldin family home in Kfar Saba, waving Israeli flags and carrying signs such as "fighting for you Hadar", "the people are with you" and "'no wounded are left behind".

Previously the family home was visited by parents of the three families of the kidnapped boys, Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaer, and Naftali Frankel hy"d.

Naftali's father, Avraham, gave a brief statement in which he said that the three families strengthen family Goldin and noted that the families are convinced that Israel will do the most to free the kidnapped officer, "We are a strong, united people, and in the end we will be victorious."

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!