In a deeply emotional and symbolic moment, a baby boy born in Israel has been named after a fallen hero who sacrificed his life to save others during the October 7 massacre.

The newborn, the son of Harel Freilich, was given the name Matan Chaim, honoring IDF soldier Matan Abergil, who also served in the same unit with Matan on Oct. 7th.

Abergil served in the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion and was killed in Nir Am after jumping on a grenade to protect six of his fellow soldiers. His actions are being remembered as one of extraordinary bravery during one of Israel’s darkest days.

“We were with Matan in the vehicle, we were surrounded, and we had no way of getting out,” one of his co-fighters, Daniel Varach, said. “There were seven men in the APC. Suddenly, one of the terrorists hurled a grenade into it.”

“Matan saw the grenade and jumped on it. I tried to stop him, but he was too determined. After a minute, I opened my eyes, he was on top of me, and he said, ‘I tried to do everything to protect the people of Israel,’” Varach recounted.

The medic continued, “I tried to save him, but I saw there was no pulse and I said he was no longer with us.”

Harel Freilich, the baby’s father, served alongside Abergil in the same battalion and was the last person to speak with him before communication systems collapsed. The two coordinated operations via Freilich’s personal phone as the attacks unfolded.

According to Freilich, Abergil had been ordered to prevent terrorists from infiltrating Nir Am. He acknowledged the command and remained at his post until the very end, ensuring the position was not overrun while others in the area fell.

Tragically, the loss struck the family even deeper. Matan’s cousin, Avraham Cohen, an off-duty Golani soldier, was among at least 360 revelers murdered at the Supernova music festival near the Gaza border on October 7.

Speaking at the naming ceremony, Freilich said the name Matan Chaim carries a “double and deep meaning” representing both gratitude for his son’s birth and a lasting tribute to his close friend. He described Abergil as a man who “gave his life with tremendous bravery for the continued existence of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel.”

Freilich added that the traditional phrase recited during circumcision ceremonies, “live in exchange for your blood,” has taken on profound meaning for his family, symbolizing that such sacrifice was not in vain.

In a powerful moment, the baby was held by Arik Abergil, Matan’s father, who expressed hope that the child would grow to embody some of his son’s character and strength. He also offered prayers for IDF soldiers currently fighting, wishing them success, victory over their enemies, and a full recovery for the wounded.

A story of loss, heroism, and new life, the naming of Matan Chaim stands as a moving reminder of sacrifice and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.