The late Stanislav (Stas–Stasik) Kostarev was a beloved son and brother, a loyal friend, and a dedicated commander who left a profound mark on the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Stas was someone truly special. He was a quiet, gentle, and pleasant young man who brought peace of mind and a sense of security to everyone around him. As the only beloved son and brother in his family, he was the anchor and beating heart of his home, the one who noticed everyone, quietly caring for them with endless devotion, without the need for unnecessary words.
Stas was born on September 18, 2002, in Ashdod, where he grew up and received his education. In December 2021, he enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Combat Engineering Corps. After completing his combat training, he attended squad commanders' training and served as a devoted commander who cared deeply for his soldiers and always placed their safety above all else.
His character shone through everything he did. He possessed a rare combination of gentleness, humility, and respect for others, alongside tremendous inner strength, integrity, and unwavering loyalty. As a friend, he was the one who offered words of reassurance at just the right moment, listened with all his heart, and stood by his loved ones in every circumstance. As a soldier, he demonstrated courage, composure, and a willingness to sacrifice and help others. He was a quiet young man with a heart of gold and an extraordinary sense of dedication. His kind eyes reflected his compassion, his unwavering support offered strength and comfort to those around him, and his words were always one others could trust.
Stas was a young man of absolute reliability. He was someone you could trust blindly in every way and every challenge. In a word, he was a man in the truest sense of the word, who left a profound mark, a bright light and unforgettable love in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Stas and his unit were called to combat, and he later joined the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. When his mother asked him to leave combat duty, he replied: “If I leave, who will defend our homeland?”
On June 15, 2024, Stanislav took part in the combat against terrorists in Rafah, alongside troops from his unit and a battalion of the Givati Brigade. During the operation, dozens of terrorists were killed.
. During the journey, the vehicle was struck by an RPG ( anti-tank rocket). The vehicle was hit and caught fire, and all eight soldiers inside were killed, including the late Staff Sergeant Stanislav (Stas) Kostarev, who was just 21 years old at the time of his death.
Following the completion of the operation, in the early morning hours, a combat engineering force of eight soldiers set out in an armored vehicle toward a building intended to serve as a temporary staging point. On the way there, the vehicle was struck by an RPG ( anti-tank rocket), caught fire and becoming a death trap for all eight soldiers in it, including Staff Sergeant Stanislav (Stas) Kostarev, z"l. He was 21 years old.
Help Keep His Memory Alive and Save Lives
His family and friends wish to honor his memory by donating an emergency medi-cycle to Magen David Adom (MDA). This motorcycle will enable MDA emergency responders to reach the sick and injured more quickly and provide life-saving medical care.
Join us in honoring the memory of the late Stanislav Kostarev, z"l, and become partners in a legacy of giving and saving lives.
Donate Now!
Watch the memorial video in his honor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce3blneL7Mg
Bank Account Details for wire transfer
After completing your donation, please send an email including confirmation of the bank transfer to: [email protected] and state "For the donation of an emergency motorcycle in memory of Stanislav Kostarev."
