Hundreds of mourners gathered Sunday at the military cemetery on Har Herzl in Yerushalayim for the funeral of Captain Maoz Yisroel Recanati, a 24-year-old Golani Brigade officer who was killed during combat activity in southern Lebanon.

Representing the IDF, Golani Brigade Deputy Commander Naor Amichai spoke about Recanati’s impact on those who served alongside him, describing him as a person whose strength and character uplifted everyone around him.

“Your very name carried meaning,” Amichai said. “You were a source of support for everyone around you. The values that guided you throughout your military service and your life were always clear.”

Amichai described Recanati as someone who relentlessly pursued meaningful military service from the outset, working hard to earn a place in elite combat units. He eventually joined the Egoz commando unit, where, according to his commanders, he immediately stood out for his leadership qualities, devotion and work ethic. “He was always first,” Amichai said. “In runs, in marches, in carrying equipment and in every mission.”

Friends and fellow soldiers said Recanati became known as “King David,” a nickname they said reflected his humility, honesty and the quiet manner in which he led others. Following completion of officers’ training, he was appointed platoon commander in Golani’s 12th Battalion. Commanders said he built an exceptionally cohesive platoon through personal example, sensitivity and trust.

His fiancée, Roni, delivered an emotional eulogy at the funeral. The couple had planned to marry next month. “The first thing I noticed about you was your eyes,” she said. “Everyone always said your eyes looked kind.”

Roni spoke about Recanati’s gentle nature, courage and compassion, and about the future they had hoped to build together. “I waited so long for us to get married,” she said. “I wanted to see you as the father of our children. You were so good with children. You had the biggest heart of anyone I ever knew.”

Rabbi Daniel Lonczer, who had met with the couple only a week earlier to arrange their marriage registration, also addressed the mourners. During the hesped, he read aloud from the kesubah that Recanati and Roni had signed together.

Recanati’s grandfather, Rabbi Avraham Recanati, reflected on his grandson’s devotion to his mission as a soldier, while also speaking about the warmth and affection he displayed within the family.

Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan described Recanati as someone deeply devoted to Torah, Am Yisroel and Eretz Yisroel. “You built yourself through hard work, humility, strength and humor,” Dagan said. “Thousands of young people will continue in your path.”

His sister, Tehila, remembered him as a quiet and caring individual who earned admiration everywhere he went. She said the source of his success in the military was not merely his abilities, but the values and humanity that guided him.

His brother, Shachar, described Recanati as a dedicated warrior involved in what he called “the battle of light against darkness.” He recalled that during his final Shabbos at home, Recanati repeatedly emphasized the need for professionalism and dedication, even in difficult circumstances.

Recanati served as a platoon commander in Golani’s 12th Battalion. He was killed Friday in an explosive drone strike targeting IDF troops operating in southern Lebanon.

He was the 20th Israeli soldier killed since fighting resumed along the Lebanon front. Recanati is survived by his parents, six siblings and his fiancée, Roni. A member of one of the founding families of Itamar in the Shomron, he was the son of Rabbi Eliyahu and Ayelet Recanati and the grandson of Rabbi Avraham and Rabbanit Devora Recanati.