Erez Orbach, 20, from Alon Shvut, was one of four soldiers killed in a truck ramming in Jerusalem’s Armon HaNetziv neighborhood on January 8, 2017.
The soldiers had just stepped off of a bus and were waiting on a plaza when a heavy truck, driven by an eastern Jerusalem resident, rammed into the group at high speed. The driver then tried to reverse the truck into the group a second time.
Erez was given an exemption from army service because of his health but insisted on volunteering. He was in officer’s training school when the fatal attack took place.
“Erez had tremendous determination,” said his grandfather Moshe Orbach. “He fought sickness and the army which didn’t want to recruit him. At the recruiting committee, they asked him why he insisted on enlisting when 200 people outside were just waiting to get released, and Erez answered, “I want to serve my country. It is my duty.”
Friend and neighbors from Alon Shvut praised his character and good cheer. “He will be remembered for his perpetual smile and willingness to help for good causes.”
He is survived by his parents and five brothers.