The Untold Heroism of Itamar on 7/10: 'He Didn't Hide, He Fought and Gave His Life'

The family of Sgt. Itamar Cohen, who fell on 7/10 in the battle at the Paga outpost, marked his 22nd birthday at a lookout point they built in his memory in Karmiel. They decorated the memorial in Beitar Jerusalem colors, played the song 'Yom Huledet' and wrote on the cake 'As long as you believe - I am with you.' Itamar, a Golani fighter, eliminated about 20 terrorists before falling. His father Eyal spoke about the day's activities, and his mother Sima emphasized his values. A soccer tournament in his memory will be held on August 11.

The family of Sgt. Itamar Cohen, a soldier in the 13th Battalion of the Golani Brigade who fell on October 7 in the battle at the Paga outpost, marked his 22nd birthday this morning (Wednesday) at a lookout point they built in his memory near their home in Karmiel. They decorated the memorial with balloons in the colors of Beitar Jerusalem, the soccer team Itamar loved, and played the song 'Yom Huledet' by Avichai Hollander. On the number cake they wrote 'As long as you believe - I am with you.' Itamar, who was 19 when he fell, managed to fire a LAW missile at Hamas terrorists, eliminated about 20 of them, and saved his comrades in the company. His father Eyal said they started the morning at the memorial, went out for a family breakfast, and later would go to the cemetery and light a candle. His mother Sima described a boy who grew up with values, respect for parents, and helping the weak, and said that because of these values he did not hide but went out to fight and protect his friends. Next Tuesday, August 11, the family will hold a soccer tournament in his memory with Beitar Jerusalem fans at the Rabin field in Karmiel.