Reserve Master Sergeant Matan Meir from Moshav Odem, who fell in combat in northern Gaza at the age of 38, left behind his parents and three brothers. Known as the redheaded tower and fireworks operator of Odem, Matan was a good soul, a man of joy. After high school, he distributed thousands of stickers saying ‘Matan Meir was born free.’ May his journey to freedom continue forever.

“ A hero in life and a hero in death. You were all heart, cheerful and generous, a man of friends who cared for everyone’s needs. A righteous man, a lover of peace, and a seeker of peace, full of optimism and joy of life, a man among men,” Asaf Rapaport, one of Matan’s friends recounted. “We grew up together. He lived and worked in agriculture in Odem. Matan was there for everyone. I’m in the reserves and it’s hard for me to process this. The last time we met was two weeks before the war. I thought he was discharged from his unit, but he was called up and joined another unit and I learned he was in Gaza. His love for the country ran through his veins.”

“We painfully announce that one of our own from the ‘Fauda’ family, Matan Meir, was killed in action in Gaza,’ the English Instagram page of the series declared. “Matan was an inseparable part of the crew for four seasons. All the actors and crew are completely heartbroken over this tragic loss. We want to express our condolences to the family. May his soul be bound in the bond of life.”