IDF soldier Sgt. Noa Lazar, 18, killed just shy of birthday - 'You were a treasure'

Lazar was originally from the northern community of Bat Hefer. She was a fighter in the IDF's Military Police Erez battalion.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Updated: OCTOBER 9, 2022 14:10
Sgt. Noa Lazar. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)
Sgt. Noa Lazar.
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)

18-year-old Sgt. Noa Lazar was killed in a terrorist attack while on duty at the Shuafat checkpoint in east Jerusalem on Saturday evening, the IDF announced Sunday morning.

"On my behalf and on behalf of the Israeli government, I send condolences to her family and friends."

Prime Minister Yair Lapid's condolences to Sgt. Lazar's loved ones

Lazar was originally from the northern town of Bat Hefer. She was a fighter in the IDF's Military Police Erez battalion. She was promoted posthumously from the rank of corporal to sergeant. 

"You were a treasure," one friend wrote about her. "I cannot believe you are gone."

Israel's President, Prime Minister and Defense Minister all expressed their condolences on Sunday morning. 

Funeral arrangements

Sgt. Lazar's funeral will be held on Monday, October 10 at 4 p.m. at the cemetery in Kfar Yona, according to the IDF Spokesperson's unit. The IDF also passed on the family's wishes to avoid media coverage of the funeral.  

Statements of condolence 

Israeli security forces are seen following a shooting incident at a check point next to Shuafat in east Jerusalem, October 10, 2022. (credit: AMMAR AWAD/REUTERS)
Israeli security forces are seen following a shooting incident at a check point next to Shuafat in east Jerusalem, October 10, 2022. (credit: AMMAR AWAD/REUTERS)

President Isaac Herzog released a statement saying that he "sends condolences to the bereaved family of the IDF soldier, the late Sergeant Noa Lazar, for whom the joy of the holiday turned into terrible grief. I pray for the recovery of the injured from the shooting attack in Jerusalem.

"No vile terrorist will break our spirit. We will fight terrorism and continue to build our lives and maintain the holiday season. We trust the IDF and the security forces."

Prime Minister Yair Lapid wrote on Twitter that, "with a broken heart I received the news of the death of an IDF soldier, Sergeant Noa Lazar from the Erez Battalion, who was murdered in a shooting attack by a vile terrorist. On my behalf and on behalf of the Israeli government, I send condolences to her family and friends.

"There are no words that can ease the great loss. We will not be silent or rest until we have found the terrible murderers. May her memory be a blessing."

Defense Minister Benny Gantz wrote that he felt "deep sorrow over the death of IDF fighter Sergeant Noa Lazar in the attack at the Shuafat crossing. I wish a full recovery for the injured. The fight against terrorism will continue in all sectors and with all required intensity. We will catch the abominable terrorist and everyone who helped him."

The details of the attack

The shooter arrived at the checkpoint in a vehicle belonging to a stranger - the driver was under the impression that he was taking a hitchhiker to Modi'in. When the car stopped at the checkpoint, the alleged hitchhiker fired seven rounds until his gun jammed. He then fled on foot. 

The driver turned himself in and was determined not to have been intentionally involved in the attack. 

MDA medics Akiva Ehrlich and Arali Levi were among the first to arrive on the scene. They told KAN: "We arrived with the ambulance when it was still an active shooting scene and began to treat the wounded. We bent down and pulled the wounded towards us, got them to the ambulance, and evacuated them to the hospital."



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