shay biton hayun

Shay was the youngest child in his family, following three daughters. He was both the prankster who could always lift everyone’s spirits and the empathetic listener everyone turned to. Shay made it his mission to unite those around him, whether at family gatherings or with his platoon friends, always ensuring that despite any arguments or disagreements, love prevailed. His famous saying, which resonated with all who knew him, was: “It’s okay to disagree, but it’s forbidden to stop loving.”

By the time Shay reached 40, he had completed his reserve duty and was officially discharged. However, on the morning of October 7th, as the full extent of the atrocities committed by Hamas began to unfold, he couldn’t just stay at home. He sent a message to his reserve unit’s company sergeant, letting him know that he was on his way to the south and should be counted in. He couldn’t bear the thought of his unit fighting without him. Later, Shay entered Gaza and fought there bravely alongside his comrades.

Tragically, Shay was among the 21 soldiers killed during an operation in southern Gaza when an RPG missile struck the building where he and his unit were preparing to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure set up by Hamas.