Matan Abergil saved the lives of six of his friends in the battle for Kibbutz Nir Am, on October 7, making the ultimate sacrifice following Hamas’ gruesome attack on Israeli civilians.

The group of seven Golani soldiers found themselves trapped while fighting more than 50 terrorists, after having to retreat due to a shower of bullets as the terrorists swarmed their Namer armored personnel carrier.

When a grenade was thrown into the Namer, Abergil immediately covered it with his body in an attempt to help his fellow soldiers, saving all of their lives.

His final words, according to his mates, were “I did all I can to try and protect the Israeli people.” 

Daniel Varach, one of the surviving six, tried to save Abergil’s life. “I saw there was no pulse, and I said ‘He’s no longer with us,’” Varach told The Jerusalem Post.

“In our name and on behalf of all our friends, we thank you immensely. You saved us all and shielded us with your body,” said another surviving soldier at Abergil’s funeral. “You are a true hero. I will forever remember you and share your story everywhere I go.”

Abergil’s former teacher, Dima Bullet, told Yediot Ahronoth that years earlier, he had taught his pupils, including Abergil, of the act of bravery committed by late soldier Roi Klein during the Lebanon War, in a similar incident where Klein sacrificed himself to save his unit. “I never imagined one of them would courageously act the same way,” he said.

Abergil’s mother said of her son, “He always volunteered for every mission, and this is exactly what he did when this attack started. He’s a hero… please watch over us from above.”