IDF Sergeant First Class Tamir Vaknin Laid to Rest: 'A Huge Hole in the Heart That Will Never Be Filled'
IDF Sergeant First Class Tamir Vaknin, a combat medic in the Paratroopers Brigade, was laid to rest in Eilat after being killed in an explosive device blast while searching a booby-trapped building in Majdal Zun, Lebanon. Thousands attended his funeral. His brother eulogized: 'A huge hole in the heart that will never be filled.' His father asked: 'Take care of your brothers.' Earlier, Reserve Major Harel Birnstock was buried at Mount Herzl. The incident occurred yesterday; four soldiers were wounded. The IDF struck terrorist infrastructure in response, citing a blatant violation by Hezbollah.
IDF Sergeant First Class Tamir Vaknin, a combat medic in the Paratroopers Brigade, was laid to rest today (Thursday) at the military cemetery in Eilat, after being killed in an explosive device blast while searching a booby-trapped building in the village of Majdal Zun in southern Lebanon. Thousands accompanied him on his final journey. His brother Yoav eulogized: 'Losing you will leave a huge hole in my heart that will never be filled.' His father Shimon recounted: 'I told you, "Don't be first, be last." You laughed and said it doesn't work that way,' and asked: 'Take care of your brothers.' His aunt said: 'I thought the angel of death would pass over our home.' Eilat Mayor Eli Lankri said Tamir was 'one of Eilat's finest sons.' A few hours earlier, Reserve Major Harel Birnstock was buried at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. His wife Elia eulogized: 'I promise you the children will grow up in a happy home.' His mother Yonat cried out: 'Master of the Universe - maybe enough?!' The incident occurred yesterday around 12:00 during an operation to clear the village. Initially, it was reported that a bulldozer hit an explosive device, and later it became clear that the force had gone to search a booby-trapped building. Four soldiers were wounded and evacuated to Rambam Hospital in Haifa. In response, the IDF struck terrorist infrastructure in the area and stated that the strikes were carried out 'in response to a blatant violation by Hezbollah.' It is currently unclear whether the device was planted before or after the ceasefire took effect.