Those we have lost

Staff Sgt. Max Rabinov, 21: IDF balloonist ‘loved to learn new things’

Killed battling Hamas terrorists at the Erez Crossing on October 7

Staff Sgt. Max Rabinov (IDF)
Staff Sgt. Max Rabinov (IDF)

Staff Sgt. Max Rabinov, 21, a balloon operator in the Border Defense Corps’s 414th unit, from Ashdod, was killed on October 7 at the Erez Crossing.

Early on the morning of the attack, Hamas terrorists burst through the Erez Crossing, taking control of the checkpoint and killing soldiers, including Max and his comrade, Staff Sgt. Or Mizrahi, as well as several Golani soldiers, including Sgt. Adir Tahar.

Mizrahi’s family members told Israel Hayom that he, Max and two other balloonists ran to the reinforced rooms on base for shelter but found them locked. As they were heading instead for the war room, Max and Or were both hit by Hamas gunfire, with Or dying on the spot and Max bleeding out from his wounds when help failed to arrive.

Max was buried on October 13 in Ashdod. He is survived by his parents, Karina and Michael, and his twin sister Mishelle.

His family said that his signature dish was an “upgraded” cheese toast, with his twist including a teaspoon of mustard and three types of cheese.

His former teacher, Galit Ben-Noun, described Max on Facebook as “gentle, smart and smiley.”

Writing on Instagram, his sister, Mishelle, said, “Max was kind, smart and loved to learn new things, he wanted to continue his path in the army, to be accepted to the 8200 intelligence unit and to extend his service past the mandatory period.”

She wrote that Max “always took care of his family, and called every day to check how we were. Every time he would come home from the army, I would meet him with a strong hug, and come to his room to talk about nonsense and to laugh.”

Mishelle wrote that “any problem I had, I would call him, as well as when I was just bored, and he would always answer, always help me — even if he was busy. We love you and we miss you, we’ll never forget you. You will always remain my twin, and I will never ever part from you, even if you’re physically not here.”

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