Rami Rez, recipient of the Medal of Valor who became a symbol of the northern residents' steadfastness during the war, has passed away

Rami Rez, a recipient of the Medal of Valor from the Yom Kippur War who became a symbol of the northern residents' steadfastness during the Swords of Iron War, has passed away at the age of 84. His photograph guarding the gate of Kibbutz Kfar Blum became an icon. Rez refused to retreat in battle, repaired a tank under fire, and was awarded the medal. He also participated in the protest against the judicial overhaul.

Rami Rez, a recipient of the Medal of Valor from the Yom Kippur War who became a symbol of the northern residents' steadfastness during the Swords of Iron War, has passed away at the age of 84. His photograph guarding the gate of Kibbutz Kfar Blum, holding a pole with a rifle bayonet, became a well-known icon. Rez was born in 1942 as Yoram, grew up in Kfar Blum, and during the Yom Kippur War served as a tank commander on the Golan Heights front. He refused to retreat despite damage to his tank, repaired it under fire, and continued fighting, an act that earned him the Medal of Valor from Chief of Staff Motta Gur. His friend Neri Kreiden recounted his exceptional stubbornness. During the Swords of Iron War, Kfar Blum was not evacuated due to its proximity to the Gaza Strip, and Rez helped guard the gate. He also participated in the Yom Kippur War veterans' protest against the judicial reform in 2023, saying: "I am 82 years old and want to leave a country for my grandchildren and children."

Rami Rez, recipient of the Medal of Valor who became a symbol of the northern residents' steadfastness during the war, has passed away