IDF announces death of Staff-Sergeant Amit Friedman, 19

Staff Sergeant (St.-Sgt.) Amit Friedman,19, fell during combat in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, the IDF reported early Wednesday morning.

St.-Sgt. Friedman operated in the Nahal Brigade in the 932nd Battalion.

He was promoted to the rank of St.-Sgt. from Sergeant following his death.

Friedman was from Or Yehuda. His family has been notified. 

Following the IDF announcement Or Yehuda Mayor Liat Shohet visited Friedman's family to "embrace... with warmth, providing strength, support, and doing everything possible to assist during these tough times," according to an announcement by the city's spokesperson.

Funeral to honor youth and Friedman's memory

Friedman was an alumnus of Yuvalim High School, where excelled at spots - basketball in particular - and was a member and counselor in the local Scouts troop, Shohet stated, adding she had heard stories "about his exceptional character and the model figure he represented."

According to the announcement, the funeral, which will be in coordination with the family, will include two flag displays.

The first display will represent the "youth, members, and graduates of the Judah Scouts troop, starting from the family's home on Klil HaHoreshet Street, through Siglon, Dekel, and Bar Lev-Dekel Square. We ask the Scouts to gather with Israeli flags starting at 14:30."

The second flag display will revolve around the "residents of Or Yehuda and those who wish to honor his memory, starting at 15:15 at the entrance to the Yehud cemetery and along its path."