He was killed just two weeks before his 21st birthday and three months before he was due to complete his mandatory army service. May his memory be a blessing.
Aviv, a member of the Givati Brigade, was wearing a bulletproof vest when he was hit in the chest. The terrorist reportedly used an Iranian-made rifle capable of firing high-caliber bullets that penetrate standard bulletproof vests. He was originally listed in serious condition from the bullet wound but deteriorated quickly and succumbed to the wound within hours.
Aviv leaves behind his parents and three younger siblings. One of his brothers is currently serving in the IDF. His parents and two other siblings were on vacation in Italy when Aviv was killed. The family lives in Petach Tikva.
Aviv’s uncle Noam said it was Aviv’s dream to join the Givati Brigade. “He loved the soldiers who served with him,” Noam said. “Like everyone else in his situation, he saved money for a big trip after the army and also planned to start a business when he returned.”
At his funeral, Aviv’s father Yaakov gave the eulogy. “You were a ray of shining and smiling sun for us. We loved seeing every moment of you becoming the man that we knew. You were the salt of the earth and paid the ultimate price for your outstanding service.
“You never avoided any mission, however large or small. You guarded and protected your friends. We are not parting here. You will be with us forever.”
Aviv was the first soldier killed in fire from Gaza since the 2014 Operation Protective Edge. Israeli forces responded by bombing Hamas targets in Gaza until the terror group agreed to a cease-fire that included an end to burning kites and balloons from Gaza.