A Legacy of Kindness: Remembering Eliyahu Moshe Zimblist

"It was so difficult to hear about the two soldiers who fell in Gaza this week," says Sarah Zimblist, mother of Eliyahu Moshe Zimblist, who was killed in last summer's tragedy in Gaza, which claimed the lives of seven other soldiers. "My heart broke when Eliyahu, whom we called 'Alimashe,' was killed, and it breaks anew each time another soldier falls. How much more can we take? We don't want anyone else to join this circle of grief, especially now on the eve of Memorial Day. It's devastating to think of families sitting shiva now."

Zimblist Family

Eliyahu Moshe Zimblist, may his memory be blessed

A Child of Giving

The Zimblist family immigrated to Israel twenty years ago when Eliyahu was two. "Eliyahu was our third child of seven, most of whom were born in Israel," Sarah explains. "Our eldest is now married with four children, and our second daughter got married just a month and a half ago—an event filled with joy and emotion amidst a year of mourning."

Sarah speaks of her son: "Eliyahu studied at the Shaalavim Hesder Yeshiva and joined the engineering corps with his fellow students. The famous photo of him with tefillin, released by the IDF after his death, was taken during the 22-kilometer beret march that ended with sunrise prayers. It's a special image showing his commitment to his goals, prayer, and service to Hashem without compromise."

"His first entry into Gaza was in early January, and since then, he was in and out. We never knew exactly when we'd see him next, but he called whenever he could and would extend his breaks whenever possible."

Joining the conversation, Shimon, Eliyahu's father, shares: "What was remarkable about Eliyahu was his ability to perceive others' needs without them asking for help. Whether it was an elderly person needing assistance or a child at a crosswalk, Eliyahu recognized and offered help. Besides his golden heart, he had golden hands, skilled in construction and crafts, which he used to help many."

Did you know about his helpful nature? Did he talk about it?

"We knew of his special qualities not because he told us but because they were evident at home," Sara replies. "But the wider stories we heard later. In high school, for example, the janitor was ill, and Eliyahu took over his duties for several months. He casually mentioned it when he said, 'I was called out of class to fix a leak'. He did so joyfully, never feeling exploited. When a new janitor came, he volunteered to stay after school to train him."

When was the last time you saw him before he was killed?

"Eliyahu was killed on Shabbat during the portion of Naso. Just the previous Shabbat of Bamidbar, he was home for the weekend," recounts Sara. "It was a full weekend. On Thursday, he went to the Kotel with a friend; on Friday, he helped a neighbor construct a backyard pool."

"On Shabbat, we hosted our children and grandchildren. We laughed and enjoyed each other's company. On Sunday, I drove him back to base. That was the last time I saw him. That night, he sent a voice message saying he'd be heading into Gaza and wouldn't be reachable, but, God willing, we'd see each other soon. We never imagined we'd receive such news by the next Shabbat."

How were you informed about his death?

"The incident happened at five in the morning, but it took hours to retrieve the casualties and identify them. At noon, after returning from synagogue, IDF representatives were waiting to inform us."

How do you move forward after such a loss?

"We continue because we must," Sarah answers. "We have faith and know we have a responsibility, as parents heading a family of seven children, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren, to strive to raise them in joy—remembering Eliyahu Moshe yet continuing to live full, happy lives as he would have wanted."

What can people take from Eliyahu's life?

"After his passing, we made a sticker in his memory that says 'Don't wait to be asked, just help,'" Sara quotes. "He never said it, but he lived it. That's the message we want to share—seeing each person and their needs, whether through practical help or simply a smile."