In the months since his death, she has found healing and purpose in an unlikely place—open-water swimming, which she now competes in and dedicates to her fallen son.
Dr. Lester Brian Katz introduced Debbie Chitiz from Raanana, Israel, who is preparing to swim the Hudson River next week in honor of her son, Yaron Chitiz, who was killed in Gaza.
Yaron was a commander of officers in the Givati Brigade and was killed just one week before his 24th birthday.
Debbie spoke today at Teaneck’s weekly Run for Their Lives event, which raises awareness and advocates for the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
In the IDF, Yaron’s leadership qualities quickly set him apart. He was selected for an early commander’s course, then rose through the ranks — first as a commander for new recruits, then completing the officer’s course himself.
Ultimately, he was appointed a commander of the Officers Course and served as deputy commander of the Shaked Battalion in the Givati Brigade.
Dara and Yaron
A respected commander, Yaron gave his all for his people and his country. He also had a penchant for adventure, often taking him to the mountains. Yaron was planning to build a home and start a family with his girlfriend, Dara.
She mourns him deeply, saying, “My Yaron, I refuse to believe that you won’t be with me anymore. That there won’t be a wedding, a family, trips and all the things we wanted to do together.”
Despite the intensity of war, what many will remember is the viral video of his surprise return home after 80 days on the battlefield — a short weekend that brought joy to a family and touched people around the world.
“Wow, what a weekend,” his mother recalled. “He came home exhausted, dirty, and hungry. But he hardly slept. He made sure to do all the things that made him happy.”
Tragically, that weekend would be their last together. Yaron was killed on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. The IDF officially announced his death the following morning.
He had died in combat while confronting terrorists descending on his unit, saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. Two others were also killed in the firefight.
“My biggest concern was whether he had suffered,” his mother said. “But he was killed instantly. And for that, I am grateful.”
Her words reflect not only unimaginable grief but a deep reservoir of gratitude for his body being recovered, for the opportunity to say goodbye, and for the ability to donate some of his organs.
“At Shura, where the bodies are prepared for burial, we sang… or at least tried to sing ‘Hamalach Ha’Goel’ the bedtime prayer we sang to him as a child,” she said.
Yaron had left a letter for the family on his phone. “I never realized then that not every soldier comes home like this,” his mother shared. “And so once again, I say how grateful I am.”
His funeral was a proper burial, something she now knows is not to be taken for granted. In her words: “The gratitude and privilege of being a mom to such a special human being, one who was the glue in so many circles… He held us all together.”
In the months since his death, she has found healing and purpose in an unlikely place — open-water swimming. What began with a local Masters group has evolved into a passion.
She has competed in national and international competitions and completed the grueling 20.5 km Kinneret crossing three times.
Yaron surprised his mother Debbie at one of her marathon swims
“I now dedicate all my swimming to Yaron,” she said. “And I have my own slogan printed on my swim cap: YOU’LL NEVER SWIM ALONE.”
Through her pain, she continues to carry forward Yaron’s light — in the water, in her strength, and in every life his story continues to touch.
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