When the ambulance saves a life, Ilay s smile shines upon us from Heaven.
"The decision to do more than others" was a sentence that accompanied Captain Ilay Gabriel Atedagi throughout his life until his last day.
Ilay was born on November 4, 2002. He attended the religious elementary school "Or Avner" and later the "Ort Motzkin" high school, where he joined the basketball team and participated in the "Maccabiah" delegation to Mexico in 2019.
Ilay enlisted in the army in March 2021 as a fighter in the “Kfir” Brigade. During basic training, he attended a paramedic course, then continued to a combat course, and subsequently completed officer training, serving as an officer and squad leader in the Shimson Battalion.
Since October 7, Ilay and his platoon fought on various fronts, especially in Gaza, where he served four rounds.
Ilay was killed on Monday, December 23, 2024, in Gaza, in the Sheikh Zayed neighborhood west of Beit Hanoun. He left behind two parents, Eti and Dany, and two brothers—the older Omer and the younger Ofri.
Ilay was killed in a severe incident along with two other soldiers, during an encounter with terrorists. After neutralizing the terrorists, Ilay and his commanding officers were killed instantly by a remote-controlled explosive device.
He was 22 years and a month old when he fell. He celebrated his last birthday in Jabalya.
Ilay was a decent, modest and happy man who loved the land of Israel and fought for it until his last breath. He believed we had no other country and led his soldiers with courage and endless bravery in every battle.
In his eulogy, his soldiers described him as the one who always cared for them, just like a father. They said he often told them not to worry; - "I’ll be the first in battle, and the first to fall.”
Ilay was an avid Maccabi Haifa sports fan, and always made sure to stay updated and attend the games whenever he was on a leave.
Ilay will always be remembered as a patriot and one of the finest builders of our nation.
Donate now for a Mobile intensive care ambulance for MDA in Ilay's memory!
About the project:
"When the ambulance saves a life, Ilay s smile shines upon us from Heaven." is a special project dedicated to the memory of Ilay Gabriel Atadagi, z”l, who fell in battle in Gaza during his fourth round of combat. A brave fighter with a huge heart, Ilay worked alongside his comrades to locate hostages and assist our soldiers in the battlefield.
On the way back from a direct confrontation with the terrorists, the unit encountered an explosive device remotely detonated by terrorists who were surveilling them from a distance. Despite the heavy loss, we want to continue Ilay’s legacy—one of heroism, giving, and love, by raising funds for the purchase of an intensive care ambulance.
Saving lives in his name will ensure Ilay's smile from Heaven for every heartbeat saved.
Bank details for wire transfer:
Attn: Israeli Friends of MDA
BANK LEUMI LE-ISRAEL-B.M
Branch: YAD ELIYAHU 814
Address: 9 HASHLOSHA TEL AVIV
Swift: LUMIILIT814
IBAN: IL900108140000006078453
1745830869.jpg)
1745830887.jpeg)
