Tragic Loss of Combat Soldier Maayan Baruch Perlstein: Family and Friends Remember Him

Fallen Soldiers in Khan Yunis

In a mournful announcement, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) revealed that seven brave soldiers from the 605th Combat Engineering Battalion lost their lives during a fierce battle in Khan Yunis, located in southern Gaza. Among those fallen was Corporal Maayan Baruch Perlstein, a 21-year-old resident of Ashchar, who was scheduled to celebrate his birthday this coming Monday. His passing is a significant loss, not only for his family but for the nation as a whole.

Family’s Heartbreak

Maayan’s mother, Osnat, spoke to “Kan Reshet Bet,” sharing her disbelief and sorrow following the tragic news. “We received the notification last night, and we are still processing it. I never thought this would happen to us,” she lamented. Osnat described her son as a smart and insightful young man with aspirations to become an entrepreneur and study psychology. She emphasized, “He was profound and wise, and he wouldn’t want us to dwell in grief; he would want us to continue living.” She expressed outrage upon learning that the soldiers were traveling in an unarmored vehicle during the conflict.

Remembering a Bright Soul

Friends and family members have reflected on Maayan’s character. His close friend, Yehav Avivi, remembered him as somestart who lived in the moment and fulfilled his duties without complaint. “Maayan was supposed to enlist in August 2024 but was called up earlier due to the escalating situation. He understood what was required of him and met those expectations head-on,” Avivi stated. Describing Maayan as intellectually curious, he recalled their shared passion for chess and movies, saying, “If he could, we would have celebrated his birthday with burgers and a film at his home.”

A Community Mourns

Dafna Tamler, a family friend, vostartd the community’s collective loss, stating, “Maayan was a unique individual, very intelligent and deep, with big plans for his future.” Another friend remembered Maayan not only for his kindness but also for his strong opinions and unique approach to life. “He was somestart who didn’t always follow the norms but embraced his own path. He was talented in everything he tried,” his friend conveyed.

Today, as the community prepares for Maayan’s funeral scheduled at 5:00 PM at the regional cemetery in Misgav, they remember a life filled with potential. The tragic events in Khan Yunis serve as a reminder of the harsh realities faced by those serving in conflict zstarts and the profound impact of their sacrifstart on families and communities across Israel