GAZA STRIP, ISRAEL: Amid the intense conflict involving Hamas and Israel, Staff Sgt Roey Weiser, a 21-year-old soldier who held dual Israeli and American citizenship, gave his life to shield his comrades in arms.
Weiser had been stationed at the Kerem Shalom border crossing when the Palestinian militant group launched an assault on his base, commencing their attack on the soldiers of the 13th Battalion of the Golani Brigade on Saturday, October 7.
Roey Weiser's heroic sacrifice in defense of his comrades
According to reports, Roey Weiser willingly laid down his life to create a diversion that would allow his fellow soldiers to escape the imminent peril they faced.
His mother, Naomi Feifer-Weiser, shared that her son "died how he lived, by putting others first," emphasizing his selflessness.
As their base fell under the control of Palestinian militant group, Weiser took it upon himself to draw their focus away, enabling a number of his comrades to seek refuge and safety.
“Because of his bravery, at least 12 other soldiers are alive today,” said his mother, as per CNN.
Weiser is one of the 1,000 individuals who lost their lives during the Hamas attack over the weekend. The victims, the majority of whom were innocent civilians, were either struck down in their own residences or while attending an outdoor music festival.
Yami Weiser honors his son's heroic sacrifice
Among the deceased, there are confirmed reports of at least 14 Americans, and there is a concern that additional US citizens may be among the more than 100 hostages taken by the militants, as stated by President Joe Biden.
The news of Weiser's sacrifice was announced on Facebook by his father, Yami Weiser, who expressed "indescribable heartbreak" over the loss of his son.
He described Weiser as "a hero defending the southern border" in his post, highlighting the significance of his service. Initially facing the challenge of locating Weiser's body, the family turned to social media for assistance.
Finally, on Tuesday evening, they were able to retrieve his remains and held a funeral the following day. “Our sole wish is to lay Roey to eternal rest and grieve properly,” his father said.
The death toll continues to rise, with Israel responding to the attack with airstrikes on Gaza. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, these airstrikes have resulted in the loss of 900 lives, including 260 children, 230 women, six health workers, and eight journalists.
