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Shaul, a reservist in the IDF’s 8207th Battalion, was killed last October in a deadly clash with Hezbollah operatives.
Nearly a year after his father was killed in combat in southern Lebanon, 20-year-old Yehuda Moyal has enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces, continuing the legacy of service left behind by his father, Warrant Officer (res.) Shaul Moyal.
Shaul, a reservist in the IDF’s 8207th Battalion, was killed last October in a deadly clash with Hezbollah operatives.
The ambush, which involved grenades and gunfire, caused a fire that led to the collapse of the building where Shaul and his fellow reservists were operating.
He died alongside five other Israeli soldiers.
Shaul left behind his wife, Smadar, and their ten children.
Shaul Moyal was not only a dedicated soldier and father—he was also a beloved and well-known high school teacher who left a deep impact on generations of students. His sudden death sent shockwaves through both the education and defense communities.
Students from Midrashiat Noam Ort in Kfar Saba wear shirts honoring their fallen teacher, Shaul Moyal, with the slogan, ‘I love teaching you,’ as he would sing it.
Now, one of those children—Yehuda—has chosen to follow in his father’s footsteps, joining the Kfir Brigade’s Netzah Yehuda Battalion as a combat soldier.
“It’s a profound mission to enlist in a combat unit and continue my father’s path,” Yehuda said. “I told him once that I was scared, and he said, ‘If everyone thinks like that, who will enlist?’ That’s what I carry with me today.”
Yehuda, raised in Karnei Shomron and educated in a Torah-based yeshiva, credited both his parents for raising him with values of faith, courage, and commitment to the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.
On the day of his enlistment, his mother Smadar sent him off with a written blessing that moved many across the country:
“Our beloved Yehuda,
Today you are taking a meaningful step in the new journey of your life, as you enlist for significant military service.
Soon it will be a year since the fall of your father, Shaul הי״ד.
And before the year has even ended, you stand tall and proud, ready to give to the nation and the land that Abba was willing to fight for and give his life for.
From Abba you learned what the Torah of Israel is, the People of Israel, and the Land of Israel.
Abba Shaul הי״ד is proud of you from above, watching over you and protecting you.
We love you, are happy for you, trust you, and are proud of you.
Mom and Dad ❤️🇮🇱”
Despite the pain of losing her husband, Smadar encouraged her son to enlist. “Her strength gave me the courage to believe this is the right path,” Yehuda said.
After his passing, friends and supporters launched a fund to help the family with future expenses—including weddings for the children. That effort became a source of comfort and stability during an otherwise devastating year.
Just recently, Shaul’s daughter Hanna celebrated her wedding. With her father gone, her mother walked her down the aisle.
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