Major Ofek Bachar z”l was born in Rishon LeZion in 1999 and grew up in Nes Tziona. From childhood, he dreamed of meaningful service and prepared determinedly for an elite unit.
In 2018, he enlisted in the Egoz Unit and progressed through positions with excellence and perseverance – first as a team commander, later as a special operations officer, and finally as commander of the training company.
Beyond his military service, Ofek was a man of the outdoors and adventure – he loved jeep trips, bonfires, nature, and life itself. He had a quiet determination to achieve every goal he set for himself, and always continued training, striving, and growing.
On October 7, 2023, at the outbreak of the Iron Swords War, he voluntarily went out to fight in the Gaza envelope communities. During the battles, he was wounded by gunfire, but despite the injury, he returned to the battlefield the very next day to fight alongside his comrades.
After extended service in Egoz, he went on to lead a team of fighters in the Golani reconnaissance unit, and with them, participated in the ground fighting in Lebanon. On the eve of Sukkot 5785, October 16, 2024, he fell in close combat with terrorists in the village of Ayta ash Shab together with four of his soldiers – leading the force from the front with bravery.
Ofek was a model commander – admired, quiet, with humble charisma and a deep sense of mission. Wherever he acted – he led by example. At the graduation ceremony for his Egoz soldiers, he said words that continue to echo after his passing:
“Personally, I don’t see responsibility as a burden to carry… being a fighter in the history of the Jewish people is being a stone in the fortified wall, the protective wall of the State of Israel, the insurance policy of the Jewish people… From today you stand as combat teams in the Egoz unit. Remember the points I told you – be humble, maintain operational norms, be excellent in what you do and be kind to each other and to those you meet along the way.”
“Ofek’s Corner” – a living and breathing memorial space to be established near Sharga Beach (by the Egoz base), by his comrades in the unit, as a place to commemorate Ofek’s character, story, and values.
The corner will include:
• A cornerstone with Ofek’s story and contribution
• A bonfire and gathering area – in the spirit of the activities he loved
The place will serve young soldiers from the units he knew – Egoz and Golani – for deep conversations, bonding evenings, personal connection, and learning from his legacy.
This project connects the commemoration of Ofek’s combat and moral service with his love for nature, the outdoors, and life.
The corner is born from a vision – to pass on his legacy to the next generation. Not only operational excellence, but also love of life, inner quiet, sparkling eyes, leading from the front, and the friendship that was at the core of his being.
As he said – “Be excellent in what you do and be kind to one another” –
That’s exactly how the place will look: simple, deep, and full of heart.
Project Budget:
15,000 NIS
For the initial setup of the corner, signage, carpentry, bonfire infrastructure, and commemoration.
Tags: IDF, leadership, memory, nature, education, trips
On October 7, 2023, at the outbreak of the Iron Swords War, he voluntarily went out to fight in the Gaza envelope communities. During the battles, he was wounded by gunfire, but despite the injury, he returned to the battlefield the very next day to fight alongside his comrades.
After extended service in Egoz, he went on to lead a team of fighters in the Golani reconnaissance unit, and with them, participated in the ground fighting in Lebanon. On the eve of Sukkot 5785, October 16, 2024, he fell in close combat with terrorists in the village of Ayta ash Shab together with four of his soldiers – leading the force from the front with bravery.
Ofek was a model commander – admired, quiet, with humble charisma and a deep sense of mission. Wherever he acted – he led by example. At the graduation ceremony for his Egoz soldiers, he said words that continue to echo after his passing:
“Personally, I don’t see responsibility as a burden to carry… being a fighter in the history of the Jewish people is being a stone in the fortified wall, the protective wall of the State of Israel, the insurance policy of the Jewish people… From today you stand as combat teams in the Egoz unit. Remember the points I told you – be humble, maintain operational norms, be excellent in what you do and be kind to each other and to those you meet along the way.”
“Ofek’s Corner” – a living and breathing memorial space to be established near Sharga Beach (by the Egoz base), by his comrades in the unit, as a place to commemorate Ofek’s character, story, and values.
The corner will include:
• A cornerstone with Ofek’s story and contribution
• A bonfire and gathering area – in the spirit of the activities he loved
The place will serve young soldiers from the units he knew – Egoz and Golani – for deep conversations, bonding evenings, personal connection, and learning from his legacy.
This project connects the commemoration of Ofek’s combat and moral service with his love for nature, the outdoors, and life.
The corner is born from a vision – to pass on his legacy to the next generation. Not only operational excellence, but also love of life, inner quiet, sparkling eyes, leading from the front, and the friendship that was at the core of his being.
As he said – “Be excellent in what you do and be kind to one another” –
That’s exactly how the place will look: simple, deep, and full of heart.
Project Budget:
15,000 NIS
For the initial setup of the corner, signage, carpentry, bonfire infrastructure, and commemoration.
Tags: IDF, leadership, memory, nature, education, trips
