Hundreds mourned the loss of Sergeant Shlomo Yakir Shrem at Kfar Etzion Military Cemetery following his tragic death in a tank explosion during combat in Jabaliya. Family and mentors paid emotional tribute to his spirit, bravery, and unwavering commitment to defending Israel.
A sea of mourners—family, friends, fellow soldiers, and educators—gathered in deep sorrow on Tuesday at the Kfar Etzion Military Cemetery to bid farewell to Sergeant Shlomo Yakir Shrem, who was killed in action during an IDF offensive in northern Gaza the previous day.
Rabbi Rei Peretz, head of the Otzem pre-military academy where Shlomo studied, opened his eulogy with moving words that captured the essence of the young soldier: “You raised a true angel, with a vast and radiant soul,” he said, addressing Shlomo’s grieving family.
His mother, Hindy Shrem, voice trembling through tears, recalled her son’s warmth, humility, and resolve:
“You were the light of our home. Everyone loved you—your smile, your quiet generosity, your thankfulness for even the smallest kindness. You said to me, ‘What I’m doing is really good for me—we must fight, we must defeat evil.’”
In her pain, she added: “Time has stopped. I am torn between worlds—between wanting to be with you, and needing to stay for your siblings and father.”
His father, Shaul Shrem, remembered a courageous soul deeply connected to his faith and to his mission:
“You united our family. You loved the IDF. You took joy in every task. You were proud to serve in the 401st Brigade’s Armored Corps. You didn’t fear pain or injury—you stood firm in your beliefs and served with joy.”
He ended with a plea: “Watch over us from above, Shlomo. Help us survive this nightmare.”
Shlomo, a resident of the Rimon neighborhood in Efrat, leaves behind his parents and three siblings. He was a dedicated tank soldier in the 52nd Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade.
Shrem fell alongside Staff Sergeant Shoham Menahem, 21, from Yardena, and Sergeant Yuliy Faktor, 19, from Rishon LeZion, when a sudden explosion devastated their Merkava tank during a military maneuver in Jabaliya, as part of an operation by the IDF’s 162nd Division.
While the precise cause of the explosion is still under investigation, initial reports suggest that a malfunction may have triggered a premature detonation of a tank shell inside the turret. The tank commander, an officer, was critically wounded in the blast.
As Israel continues to grapple with loss and war, Sergeant Shlomo Shrem’s legacy shines through—an emblem of dedication, faith, and the selfless love of country. His final mission may have ended, but his light endures in the hearts of all who knew him.
