Slain IDF soldier followed in POW father’s footsteps

Shoham’s father, Shmuel, was a tank driver ambushed and captured by the Egyptians during the Yom Kippur War.

By World Israel News Staff

The father of an Israeli soldier killed in Gaza on Monday was himself a veteran of the Yom Kippur War and a former prisoner of war, according to Hebrew-language media reports.

Shoham Menachem, 21, fell in battle in Jabaliya, alongside two other soldiers from his unit, Yuli Factor, 19, and Yakir Shrem, 21.

Notably, Shoham served in the same unit and role as his father, Shmuel — a tank driver in the 52nd Battalion of the IDF’s 401st Brigade.

Speaking to Hebrew-language news outlet Walla, a family member shared that during the early days of the Yom Kippur War, some 50 years ago, Shmuel’s unit was ambushed by Egyptian forces.

Shmuel was shot in the back and many of his comrades were killed. He was taken prisoner by and endured torture while in captivity.

Being held for more than 40 days by the Egyptians left Shmuel mentally and physically debilitated.

Eventually, he was recognized as a disabled veteran by the Defense Ministry, which entitled him to psychological support.

Later in life, Shmuel married and had two children, including Shoham.

“Shoham insisted on serving in this battalion because of his father’s story,” Sharon Menachem, a cousin, told Walla.

“He was truly the pride of his parents. He carried a deep desire to contribute to the country, to help and uplift everyone around him.”

Shoham will be laid to rest on Wednesday in his hometown of Moshav Yardena.

He is survived by his parents, Shmuel and Rachel, and his sister, Sapir.

“We always said it was amazing that Shmuel, after what he went through in captivity, was able to see Shoham experience meaningful service,” another relative told Ma’ariv.

“It was supposed to be healing, the closing of a circle. We never imagined it would end like this.”