Sgt. Hillel Solomon, 20, of the Givati Brigade died last week in battle.
In his hometown of Dimona, Hillel was honored and remembered. Mayor Benny Biton expressed the city's profound sorrow for Solomon's loss and the pain felt by his parents, Ronit and Mordechai, and sisters Yasmin, Hila, Vared, and Shaked.
'A strong desire to serve'
"Hillel had a strong desire to serve and become a warrior, and he achieved his goal by enlisting in Givati," the mayor said. "A dedicated son, he always prioritized honoring his parents. Hillel possessed exceptional qualities of selflessness, modesty, and humility. The entire city of Dimona mourns his passing. May his memory be cherished."
Eitan Leib, Hillel's mentor during his studies, paid tribute to him: "As his mentor, I observed a quiet and respectful young man with a strong sense of responsibility and motivation to make a difference. Even in personal matters, he displayed maturity in his conversations.
'My heart is heavy with grief'
"For two years, I had the privilege of guiding him towards the right path, and he cooperated wholeheartedly," Leib recalled. "I was honored to have such an outstanding apprentice. Knowing his parents, I understood the foundation of his exceptional education. Hillel, being your mentor and friend was a privilege. My heart is heavy with grief."
Noa Sa'ar described Hillel as "a boy who epitomized resilience and determination, proving each day that nothing could hinder his aspirations. Always the first to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, he actively participated in volunteer activities, competitions, and trips. He willingly dedicated his time and efforts, displaying humility and inner strength that defined him.
"Without being asked, his personal initiative was unmatched," Sa'ar continued. "He lived by strong values that no chaos or external forces could tarnish. Dear Solomon family, you raised a child who set an exemplary standard. You provided him with everything a child could ask for. You must be immensely proud of him for the path he chose, and so are we."
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