Daughters of Fallen IDF Major Harell Birenstock Move Public with Song Tribute
The twin daughters of fallen IDF Major Harell Birenstock moved social media with a song tribute. Friends have launched a support campaign for his widow and four children.
Uri and Gefen Birenstock, the eight-year-old twin daughters of Major (Res.) Harell Birenstock, who fell about a month ago during operational activity in southern Lebanon, moved social media users this week with a performance of Idan Raichel's song "Greetings from Another Life."
Harell Birenstock, a 34-year-old company commander in the 55th Brigade from the community of Nokdim, is survived by his wife Elia and their four children: eight-year-old twins Uri and Gefen, Maayan (5), and Ziv-Israel (one and a half). The company commander was known for always caring for his soldiers down to the very last one.
Campaign for the Bereaved Family
Throughout numerous rounds of combat in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, Birenstock fought against his soldiers' civilian employers to ensure they received all necessary conditions as combatants leaving families behind. Now, a month after his death, his friends have launched a fundraising campaign to support the family left behind.
His friends wrote:
"The burden of three years of intensive fighting was borne heroically by Elia and the four children, out of complete faith in Harell's path and mission, and understanding the magnitude of the hour for the nation. Now, out of deep gratitude and a strong desire to stand by the family that gave everything, this is our opportunity to provide them with a firm, stable, and supportive foundation for the road ahead."
The Fatal Incident in Lebanon
Birenstock fell in an incident that occurred during searches by forces from the 2855th Battalion for previously unchecked sites. During the searches, the squad entered a booby-trapped house where an explosive device was detonated, causing part of the structure to collapse.
His widow, Elia, eulogized him:
"I enjoyed seeing you with the children so much, I promise you I will try to be strong for you. I want to ask that you remember Harell with that smile of his, that star who enters a room and after five minutes everyone falls in love with him, who is everyone's friend, a man of life, laughter, and joy."
