IDF Staff Sergeant Noam Aharon Masgadian, 20, a 2023 graduate of Boys Town Jerusalem (BTJ), was tragically killed alongside four comrades in a roadside bombing in northern Gaza on July 7. He is the sixth BTJ graduate to fall since the outbreak of the October 7, 2023 Israeli war against Hamas.
Noam had a special charm
Noam, who studied at BTJ from seventh through twelfth grade, is remembered by his teachers and classmates for the smile that never left his face. “In his gentle way, Noam reached out to help anyone, anytime,” recalls BTJ High School teacher Rabbi Aharon Fogel. “He had a special charm that touched us all. I cried when I heard of his death.” “
Noam was always the first to volunteer to help others,” adds BTJ Junior High School Principal Rabbi Yehudah Rosencrantz. “He was mature beyond his years, striving to understand his studies and excel. Noam loved Judaism and lived its values until his final moments.”
Noam was part of Netzah Yehudah in the Kfir Brigade
After graduating BTJ High School two years ago, Noam enlisted in the IDF’s Kfir Infantry Brigade, in a unit geared toward religious soldiers. Throughout the war, he and his comrades served both on the northern border and on the front lines in Gaza. Shortly before his death, Noam was honored with a certificate of excellence.
Thousands attended his funeral
Over one thousand people attended Noam’s funeral on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, including badly injured comrades who survived the deadly bombing attack. IDF Lt. Colonel Guy Bason eulogized: “Noam, you took command of your platoon. There was no mission you didn’t accept with humility and excellence. You gave without fear, without consideration for yourself. You taught us all what love for Israel means. All of Israel salutes you.”
May the memory of Sgt. Noam Aharon Masgadian be a blessing.