Lieutenant Shilo Cohen: 24-yr-old Israeli soldier who fought till his last breath

On October 7, 2023, a shadow of sorrow was cast over Israel as the nation experienced an unprecedented and devastating assault. Hamas, an extremist organisation, unleashed a barrage of rockets, causing untold destruction and chaos in the southern and central regions of the country. The scale of the attack and the barbarity of the terrorists left the world aghast. In the midst of tales of horror and despair, one narrative shines through—a story of bravery and selflessness. It's the story of Lieutenant Shilo Cohen, a 24-year-old soldier hailing from the esteemed Shaldag unit, known as one of the most elite IDF Air Force commando units. 

Our team from Republic had the solemn privilege of meeting Lieutenant Shilo Cohen's family in the village of Ramot Shapira, just outside Jerusalem. They were sitting in the midst of the Jewish mourning ritual of Shiva, a week-long period of mourning following the burial of a loved one. The family gathered around pictures of their beloved Shilo, who had succumbed to his injuries after bravely battling Hamas terrorists on that fateful October 7.

The room was adorned with photographs of the young soldier, capturing moments of pride and joy alongside his parents and other family members. In one poignant image, Shilo stood in his officer's uniform, flanked by his beaming parents. Another snapshot depicted him with his family, their smiles radiating a sense of togetherness. Candles flickered in front of these images, a silent tribute to the hero who had made the ultimate sacrifice.

Lieutenant Shilo Cohen, a proud member of the elite Shaldag unit, exemplified the highest standards of training and dedication required to join their ranks. When Hamas unleashed its attack on Israel Shilo, after a full day of relentless fighting, embarked on a journey to the south without the cover of fellow soldiers. With resourcefulness and courage, he improvised his tactics throughout the perilous journey. Shilo hitched rides, joined forces with other brave soldiers he encountered, and wielded a small weapon. He later acquired a rifle from a wounded comrade and a helmet from a fallen soldier.

Shilo fought relentlessly in the kibbutz of Be'eri, moving from house to house to eliminate terrorists. His determination was unyielding, even as he sustained a leg injury in the line of duty. His bravery knew no bounds until he was struck down, making the supreme sacrifice for his nation.

At an inn just outside Jerusalem, officers from the command unit that Shilo belonged to gathered to pay homage to the fallen hero. Among them was Shilo's commander, who bore the scars of battle with two bullets in his arm. He had undergone surgery, with the bullets exiting through his back, yet he stood strong to honour his comrade.

Shilo Cohen's memory lives on in the hearts of his family, including his parents, three sisters, and one brother. Amid the pictures displayed at the inn, one image stood out—a portrait of Shilo's favourite superhero, Batman. In life, Shilo transcended the realm of fiction to become a real-life superhero.

At his burial, last week, his father delivered an emotional speech. “Our Shilo, look around, you can see many people here; instead of accompanying you to the celebration of your wedding, or the construction of a home, we are accompanying you to your eternal rest,” his father said, according to The Guardian. “You died on a holy Shabbat five days ago, and your mother told me she could not sleep until you were buried,” he said.

It is pertinent to mention that at least 1300 individuals died in the Hamas attack, leaving countless families heartbroken and communities in mourning. Over 3000 others have been wounded, their lives forever altered by the scars both visible and hidden. In addition to this, the IDF has confirmed that over 120 civilians are being held captive in Gaza by Hamas.