IDF reservist Sergeant Major Mordechai Yosef Ben Shoam, 34, fell in battle in central Gaza on Saturday.
Ben Shoam joined the reserve forces mobilizing on October 7, 2023, and served for many long months.
According to the IDF, Ben Shoam served as a heavy vehicle driver in a logistical support unit from the 8119th Battalion in the Logistics Corps. On Saturday, he was killed together with his company commander during a military operation, after an explosive device detonated near the Netzarim Corridor.
Ben Shoam, 34, was a resident of the town of Adam in the Binyamin Region. He is survived by his wife Natali and a nine-month-old infant daughter.
For the past five years, Ben Shoam worked with the Mate Binyamin Development Company as a driver, and was one of the company's most dedicated employees. He transported special education children with care and respect, and was beloved to the point of being invited to their birthday parties.
Members of Ben Shoam's unit said, "The battalion is in the midst of fighting, and we will not be able to attend the funerals of our beloved comrades-in-arms. We ask that anyone who is able to attend and honor them for us - do so. The times of the funerals will be published later."
Earlier on Saturday evening, the IDF announced that Major (Res.) Yotam Itzhak Peled, fell in battle in central Gaza.
Peled aged 34 from Rosh Ha'ayin, served as a company commander of a logistical support unit from the 8119th Battalion in the Logistics Corps. According to reports, Peled was killed when an explosive device detonated in central Gaza.
Peled is the son of Talia and Michael (Mike) and brother of Omri. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, one of whom is an infant.
He was released from mandatory military service after serving as a company commander in the Nahal Brigade, and often volunteered with an organization which helps bereaved families.