Lion Bar

In the town of Gedera, Israel, on October 7th, 2023, Colonel Lion Bar was celebrating Simchat Torah with his family. The day was meant to be joyful, but it turned into a nightmare when Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad launched a massive surprise attack on Israel. Thousands of rockets were fired, and militants infiltrated towns near the Gaza border.

Lion, a retired IDF officer driven by duty and courage, decided to help despite no longer being on active duty. Without waiting for an official call-up, he told his wife, Einat, “I’m going to Sderot,” and headed to the danger zone to help those in need. Upon reaching Sderot, Lion rescued Yossi Orim, who had been injured by gunfire, and took him to the hospital, saving his life.

Lion’s heroics continued when he learned of the massacre at the Nova Festival, where terrorists had attacked thousands of festival-goers. All day, Lion transported the injured to safety, saving numerous lives and displaying immense bravery. Despite the danger, he returned home only when Einat insisted, promising to continue his efforts the next day.

On October 8th, Lion was joined by his son Omar, who had just completed his military service. Together, they returned to the area to find survivors. While patrolling Route 232, they noticed a bullet-ridden police vehicle. As they stopped to help, a hidden terrorist ambushed them, injuring Omar and fatally wounding Lion.

Omar, despite being shot, managed to seek help, but Lion had been killed in the line of duty. His funeral in Gedera was attended by many, including those he had rescued. Omar spoke of his father’s heroism, highlighting his lifetime dedication to the nation’s safety.

Lion Bar’s legacy is a testament to his selflessness and bravery, and his story continues to inspire those who remember the ultimate sacrifice he made for his people.