Despite learning challenges, Moshe Shmuel Noll lived with unstoppable energy, deep faith, and a fierce sense of purpose—falling in battle while defending his nation with pride.
Beit Hanoun, Gaza –
Staff Sergeant Moshe Shmuel Noll, a soldier in the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, lost his life in northern Gaza last week when an explosive device detonated during combat. His mother, Miriam Noll, opened her heart to Arutz Sheva – Israel National News, sharing memories of her son’s indomitable spirit, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his people and his faith.
“Moishy never stopped moving,” she recalled. “He skipped crawling and went straight to running. It’s as if he knew he had to live every moment to its fullest. There was just so much energy packed into him.”
That same energy, though, was often challenged by severe learning disabilities, including dyslexia. But rather than hold him back, those obstacles became stepping stones. “He was determined to learn how to read. He began with comic books and worked his way up to full children’s books. During prayer, he memorized everything. For his bar mitzvah, he spent six months working—week by week—with a teacher until he knew his Maftir by heart. By high school graduation, he knew the entire morning prayer by memory.”
Unlike many in the Haredi community, Moshe chose to enlist in the IDF, following a path set by his school, Kfar Zeitim, which prepares boys who struggle with traditional learning to serve in Netzah Yehuda. He joined with five friends.
Though his mother initially encouraged him to serve in a non-combat unit, Moshe had other plans. “I might not be good at reading or writing,” he told her, “but this—I can do. Someone has to defend our country, and I’m proud to be that someone. I’m no quitter. I’ll serve the full term, and I’ll do it with joy.”
For the Noll family, Moshe’s service was a profound kiddush Hashem—a sanctification of God’s name. “He used the gifts he had to serve Am Yisrael and Hashem. That’s holiness,” Miriam said.
Though her grief is immense, Miriam finds solace in his legacy. “If this was the time G-d allotted for him, then we are proud. He died defending his people.”
Moshe’s greatest strength may have been his heart. “He wasn’t booksmart, but he connected with everyone. He saw what united us, not what set us apart. Ask any of my children—they’d all say he was their best friend. He could bond with anyone. His hugs, his warmth, his listening ear—we’re going to miss all of it. It’s hard to imagine our family without him.”
Miriam hopes the world takes two enduring lessons from Moshe’s life:
1. Never let hardship define you.
“Moshe’s teacher once asked him, ‘You struggle so much to read—why aren’t you angry or depressed?’ And he said, ‘Why add sadness to the challenge? I’m happy just making progress.’ That was him. Joy in the face of adversity. He never gave up.”
2. Embrace unity.
“Moshe viewed every Jew as family. He believed in oneness, in overcoming differences. If there’s one way to defeat our enemies, it’s through true unity.”
