Father of soldier killed yesterday in Gaza: He knew he was fighting for his family, his people

The father of a soldier killed in Gaza yesterday says he is very proud of his son, who found purpose in his military service and understood its importance.

Yisrael Natan Rosenfeld, known as Natan, was killed by an explosive device during operations in the Kafr Jabalia area.

The British-born soldier moved from London to Ra’anana as a child with his family 11 years ago.

“He told us a long time ago ‘I want to be a combat soldier in the army. To do something for our country,'” Avi Rosenfeld tells the Ynet news site.

“When he was assigned to combat engineering, he was so happy. He was in a place that was right for him. He didn’t really like school and we were worried, but in the army he just blossomed,” the bereaved father says.

“His commanders were really special. They were like family to him. Every time he came home, he had a smile. Not because of the role itself but because he knew why he was doing it. He knew he was doing it for his parents, his family, his people. I feel he has a place in history. We are very proud of him,” Rosenfeld says.

The 20th soldier to be killed in fighting since the start of the month, Rosenfeld is survived by his parents and three siblings; his sister’s boyfriend was killed fighting terrorists near Kibbutz Sufa on October 7, 2023.

Rosenfeld will be buried at the Ra’anana military cemetery at 4 p.m. today.