About
This is the story of the late Sergeant Major Omer Balwa
Omer was born in the United States, grew up and was educated in the Jewish community of Maryland.
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​From an early age, Omer was involved in social activities in the community, and in every field in which he was involved, he always assumed the role of a leader. But a humble kind of leader, who leads the team to victory out of humility and quiet, while helping others and the opposing team, as only he would know.
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Omer completed his studies in the United States and decided to make aliyah to Eretz Israel in order to enlist in the IDF. Omer was very "American" in nature, but Israeliness was deep inside him and never left him. The love for the State of Israel overcame everything, and in the end it cost him his life... Omer immigrated to Israel, alone, and enlisted in the Golani Battalion in the 51st Battalion. Golani was a home for Omer in every way.
He experienced significant service, loved the place and connected very much with the people he knew during his military service. When he would return after a weekend, he would never feel humiliated, he would walk out the door of the house every Saturday or Sunday with his head held high, with great pride, as if every week he reminded himself why he had chosen to immigrate to Israel and how much he was at peace with that choice.
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Omer was discharged after significant service in the IDF and decided to start a new chapter in his life, alongside his partner Odelia. Before the horrible and dark October 7, Omer and Odelia were traveling in the United States just before the start of a semester of another academic year. After that terrible Shabbat, Omer decided that he would return to Israel immediately to fight. Odelia and the family tried to postpone Omer's return, but without success. Omer was committed to the goal of reaching and fighting alongside his friends and commanders, and joined the fight with the Alexandroni Brigade for the country he loved the most.
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On Friday evening, October 20, Omar fell from an anti-tank missile fired by Hezbollah at Israel. He was only 22 years old when he fell.
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Omar fell for our country, he sacrificed his life out of Israeli patriotism... A true hero of Israel.
May his memory be blessed🇮🇱🕯
Let us be worthy.