President inscribes Torah scroll for soldier who jumped on grenade to save friends
Sgt. Segev Schwartz, 20, a Nahal Brigade soldier from Beit Shean, was killed on October 7 2023
An IDF soldier who sacrificed his own life to save his friends on 7 October has been honoured with a Torah scroll dedicated to his memory.
On the morning of the Hamas atrocities on the Gaza border, Sergeant Segev Schwartz, 20, was stationed at the military outpost near Kibbutz Sufa.
As dozens of terrorists infiltrated the base, in an hours long battle, Schwartz, a fighter in the Nahal Brigade’s 50th Battalion, fell after throwing himself on a grenade, saving the lives of many of his comrades.
In a ceremony organised this week by the Ayelet HaShachar non-profit organisation, President of Israel Isaac Herzog and prominent rabbis all wrote letters in a Torah scroll dedicated to Segev’s memory.
Addressing Segev’s parents, President Herzog said: “I know this offers no consolation, but on behalf of the State of Israel, I want to thank you for your special child and his contribution to the country.”
Rabbi Shlomo Ra’anan, chairman and founder of Ayelet HaShachar said: “The heroic act of Sergeant Segev Schwartz and the commemoration of his memory through a Torah scroll symbolise the deep connection between the values of dedication to the country and Jewish traditional values.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, Segev’s mother Sarah said: “Even after he fell, I still communicate with him. Now, after completing this Torah scroll in his memory, I feel I’ve fulfilled what Segev asked of me. He always saw the good in everyone.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
