The Eizenkot family, deeply rooted in Israel's defense forces, has faced an unimaginable series of tragedies during the ongoing conflict. In less than two weeks, they have mourned the loss of three beloved members.
On Sunday, Captain Yogev Pazi, a 22-year-old platoon commander in the Kfir Brigade, was killed in combat in the northern Gaza Strip. Yogev, a relative of former IDF Chief of Staff and current Knesset member Gadi Eizenkot, was known for his dedication and leadership. His commitment to his unit and country was evident in his rapid rise through the ranks, earning the respect of both his peers and superiors.
This devastating loss followed the deaths of Eizenkot’s son, Gal, and his nephew, Maor Cohen, in combat just days earlier. Gal, who served in an elite unit, was killed on December 7, 2023, during an encounter with terrorists. The next day, Maor Cohen fell in battle in Gaza, further deepening the family's grief.
For Yogev's younger brother, Noam, the news came with a chilling sense of foreboding. "My parents were at work when they were told. They asked their supervisor to tell me, and they drove me straight home," Noam recalled. "My father had felt uneasy all morning, and by the afternoon, we received the official notification. Deep down, I think we all knew something had happened. When they told me, I already knew what they were going to say."
Yogev’s death, following the loss of Gal and Maor, has left the family in profound sorrow. "Gal was like a big brother to both me and Yogev," Noam shared. "Losing him was devastating. And now... now it’s reached us directly. It’s a shock beyond words."
The Eizenkot family’s story is one of service, sacrifice, and unthinkable grief. Their heartbreak is a stark reminder of the cost of war, felt most deeply by those who have given so much to protect their homeland.