Cemetery Established in 24 Hours to Bury Jewish Pioneer and Defense Contractor Killed in Gaza

David Libi, 19, son of the founder of the Malachei Hashalom community in the Binyamin region, was killed in Gaza by a bomb while operating heavy machinery.

By TPS and United with Israel

In a swift and coordinated effort, Israeli authorities established a cemetery in the Binyamin community of Malachei Hashalom within 24 hours to bury David Libi, 19, a Defense Ministry civilian contractor killed in Gaza.

Libi, a resident of Malachei Hashalom in the Binyamin region, was killed by the explosion of a powerful roadside bomb while operating heavy machinery in northern Gaza. He was the eldest son of the town’s founder, Land of Israel activist Eliav Libi. He is survived by his parents and seven siblings.

“David was on the front line of the war in Gaza,” said Binyamin Regional Council head Israel Gantz, according to Israel National News. “He showed great devotion to the cause of defeating the enemy. He was responsible for the destruction of a lot of terrorist infrastructure.”

Within an hour after news of his death, Gantz appealed to ministers for assistance. Religious Services Minister Michael Malchieli and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Defense Ministry team expedited approvals, issuing cemetery and burial licenses while the local religious council and burial society completed their preparations.

“This is the path of heroic David and the entire Libi family,” Gantz said, according to Israel National News. “This land is acquired through hardship, but this incredible family teaches us to move forward with courage, alongside the pain—to build and to grow.”

“Special thanks to Religious Affairs Minister Malkieli and his office, as well as to Minister Smotrich’s team and the Civil Administration personnel for their exceptional and humane efforts.”

Libi’s funeral was held Friday afternoon.

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