IDF announces the names of 12 fallen soldiers: Here are their stories

Elon Waiss, a revered educator and central figure in the Psagot community, was killed in action in the northern Gaza Strip this past Saturday. Waiss, who was 49 and approaching his 50th birthday, participated in reserve duty when his tank hit a mine. His death comes amid a period of joy for his family, as they recently celebrated the wedding of his daughter Racheli and are preparing for the upcoming wedding of his daughter Hodaya.

Waiss, a resident of Psagot in the Benjamin region, was known for his dedication to his family and community. He is survived by his wife, Neta, and their seven children, including Racheli and Hodaya, as well as a granddaughter. 

Rabbi Boaz Ganot, a community friend who has known Waiss since high school, described him as “a family man, a man of kindness, God-fearing and pleasant to people.” In an interview with Makor Rishon newspaper, Ganot shared that Waiss “always shared the burden with the public,” emphasizing his commitment to serving in the army despite being beyond the exemption age. 

The IDF announced on Sunday that Capt. (res.) Eitan Koplovich, 28, from Jerusalem, a combat officer in the 129th Battalion, had been killed in combat in the northern Gaza Strip. 

According to Walla, Koplovich was born in North Carolina while his parents were emissaries there. Subsequently, his family returned to Hoshaya in the Jezreel Valley, where he grew up.

Four years ago, Koplovich married Yael, and a year ago, their son, Boaz, was born. The couple studied law at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and lived in the capital city. 

Ten IDF soldiers were killed in combat in different incidents in the northern and southern Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours. 

Earlier on Sunday, the IDF published the names of seven soldiers who were killed in fighting in the Gaza Strip, following correspondence with the families of the soldiers.