Major Elhanan Meir Kalmanzon

About

Major Elhanan Meir Kalmanzon, of blessed memory, was a man of deep mission, quiet responsibility, and extraordinary courage. A devoted husband to Shlomit and a loving father of five, his family was the center of his life, his source of strength, and the reason behind every choice he made. His home was filled with warmth, values, and personal example, and his path in life was one of humility, service, and action.

Elhanan dedicated his adult life to the security of the State of Israel. Beginning as a combat soldier, he chose a path of frontline service and continued to serve as the security coordinator (Ravshatz) of the community of Otniel, where he lived and was deeply woven into the fabric of communal life. He commanded the local emergency response team, trained volunteers, and was always the first to respond and the last to leave. Over the years, he served extensively in the reserves, and in recent years held a significant and sensitive position in the Mossad—one that required professionalism, discretion, and quiet bravery, without seeking recognition.

On October 7, 2023, following the early-morning activation of the local response team, Elhanan immediately grasped the gravity of the moment. Throughout the day, he organized and commanded the defense of Otniel and coordinated the surrounding forces. Only after ensuring that the community was secure and its residents protected did he make a profound moral decision: to head south to the heart of the fighting, despite having received orders to report to his regular reserve unit in Judea and Samaria.

In a brief message to his brother Menachem, he wrote:
“I’m packing and heading south.”
Menachem joined him without hesitation, and together they set out on a journey from which Elhanan would not return.

Upon arriving at Kibbutz Be’eri, they were confronted with scenes of unimaginable devastation—burning homes, chaos, and terrorists still moving through the area. Elhanan immediately understood that there was no time to hesitate. Civilians had to be rescued—families trapped in their homes had to be brought out, and lives had to be saved. He and Menachem located an armored “David” jeep, designed for four fighters, and began a relentless rescue mission under fire.

At first, the rescues were carried out in response to desperate pleas from residents searching for their loved ones. As night fell, the operation became increasingly organized: lists were made, names recorded, and order imposed on the chaos. The residents of Be’eri would later call the team “Game Changers,” as until their arrival, no structured evacuation efforts had taken place. Late that night, their nephew, Itiel Zohar, joined them, and together the three continued an extraordinary mission of courage, ingenuity, and humanity.

Over the course of approximately sixteen and a half consecutive hours, the team rescued around one hundred residents of Kibbutz Be’eri—children, adults, and the elderly—bringing them out of the inferno to safety. On Sunday, after long hours without rest, they entered another house to check whether anyone remained inside. A terrorist who had been lying in wait opened fire. Elhanan, who entered first—as he always did—was struck by the gunfire and killed.

For their exceptional bravery and the saving of so many lives, the team was awarded the Israel Prize for Civilian Heroism. Following his death, Elhanan was posthumously promoted to the rank of Major. His legacy is commemorated in many ways—within his community, in educational frameworks, and through a story of heroism that will be passed from generation to generation.

Elhanan Kalmanzon fell as he lived—standing at the front, with an open heart, and through an act of saving others. He was a man of values, responsibility, and unconditional love for people and for his land.

We will remember him always.
May his memory be a blessing.
A hero of Israel 🇮🇱🕯
May we be worthy.