Rise with Purpose. Walk the way of Derech Eretz.

Evitar, the son of Yasmine and Yaakov, brother to Orel, Miriam, Ruth Simcha, Israel, Noam David, and Tehila Rachel. Evitar was a person of strength and emotions that only nature could contain. He lived every moment to the fullest and with all his might, feeling with all his heart and soul. He was a fighter for justice, a true friend, and a creative and exceptionally talented individual! There was no place in the preparatory program where he wasn’t heard and felt, and no one he didn’t sit with for a heart-to-heart conversation in the middle of the night with carob chocolate milk, which only he loved. Evitar was the beating heart wherever he went. His smile, energy, sensitivity, and honesty captivated everyone. Evitar wanted to enlist as a fighter, and after some time in service as a Magav soldier (Border Police), he transferred to become an ambulance driver in the Golani Brigade, 51st Battalion. He was known as a soldier whom everyone respected and loved, someone you could rely on for any mission! Evitar fell in service on the 22nd of Tishrei, 5784 (October 7, 2023), at the Kissufim position after a battle with Hamas terrorists who infiltrated the position. He fell on the day he was supposed to go on his release leave. "Where there are no men, strive to be a man." "Don’t think about what others think of you, think about what you think of yourself." "Be sensitive to what’s happening around you and extend a hand when needed." "Believe in yourself, don’t give up on yourself, you are the best there is." You will always be in our hearts.

Barel, the son of Nitzah and Yossi, was born in Tel Aviv and grew up in Be’er Yaakov, the third of four siblings. Barel aspired to a meaningful military service and served in the elite Magav (Border Police) unit. He was a leader who stood out for his joy, his captivating smile, and his camaraderie in the preparatory program. During the program, Barel, who was a fitness enthusiast, came up with the idea for a preparatory program race, where the result would be measured by the last participant, as Barel believed that the strength of a group is measured by how they support and uplift those who struggle, not by the first ones to finish. To this day, the "Barel Race" is held as a tradition in Derech Eretz. Barel began his service in Magav. At the end of basic training, he was awarded the Outstanding Platoon Soldier prize out of 300 soldiers, and also received his commanding officer's beret. Barel fell during his service on the 22nd of Elul, 5781 (August 30, 2021). "Be the best version of yourself." You will always be in our hearts.

Ido, the son of Gittit and Daniel, a true ‘Yerushalmi’ at heart. Ido aspired to a meaningful military service and was determined to become an officer. He was a leader and stood out for his joy and camaraderie in the preparatory program. During the final trek, he led the marchers at the front, with an Israeli flag in hand. He made sure to stop every few kilometers to inspire everyone with chants, raise morale, and motivate them. Ido served in the Armored Corps. During the commando course, he was once again at the front, this time with the Israeli flag in hand, ensuring that everyone was taken care of. As a token of appreciation, he received his commanding officer's beret at the end of the commando course. Ido fell in service on the 14th of Tamuz, 5779 (July 17, 2019). "Be happy, love the land, respect others." You will always be in our hearts.

Roy, the son of Aryeh and Betty, brother to Eden and Tomer, and the partner of Nitzan since the preparatory program. Roy was a soul player in the program, and this remained true wherever he went! Roy was the “sweetheart” of the program, someone everyone trusted and loved. He was the one who always volunteered whenever someone needed help, no matter the reason. Roy always had a smile on his face and could make others smile as well. He was optimistic about everything, took everything lightly, was both a prankster and serious at the same time, and was the go-to person when you needed sincere advice. He didn’t need to make noise to show how amazing he was. Roy aspired to enlist in the Givati Brigade following Liel Gedony, z"l. They were both born on the same date, attended the same school with the same teacher, and grew up in the same neighborhood. After Liel’s death, Roy received a scholarship for a film program in memory of Liel. Who would have known that their destinies would intertwine so strongly? So, he fulfilled his dream and enlisted in Givati! He became a respected commander and sergeant, beloved by all. Roy fell in service in the Gaza Strip on the 16th of Cheshvan, 5784 (November 31, 2023), five days before his 21st birthday and a month before his release. "Smile, because a smile is happiness, and happiness is the power to keep going." "To see everyone here, this is the Land of Israel for which I do this." You will always be in our hearts.