“My Heart Is Broken”: Moshe Yitzchak HaCohen Katz Laid to Rest in Jerusalem

Thousands of attendees gathered Sunday night at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem for the funeral of Moshe Yitzchak HaCohen Katz, a 22-year-old lone soldier from New Haven, Connecticut, who was killed Friday night during fighting in southern Lebanon.

Friends of Katz sing following his funeral.

Katz, who served in Battalion 890 of the IDF Paratroopers Brigade, was a lone soldier, meaning his parents live outside Israel. His death comes as fighting continues along Israel’s northern border, where Israeli forces are operating against Hezbollah.

Katz was killed when rocket fire targeted Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. Three additional soldiers were wounded in the same incident. The IDF announced his death following the attack.

Katz arrived in Israel without knowing Hebrew and began his path through a pre-army preparatory program before continuing to the Michve Alon training base. He later enlisted as a lone soldier in the Paratroopers Brigade. Just weeks before his death, his mother traveled to Israel through the Nefesh B’Nefesh “Operation Hug” program and reunited with him for the first time in a year.

At the funeral, an IDF officer who commanded Katz said, “On Friday evening, the State of Israel lost one of its finest sons. Moshe chose to leave the United States, to tie his fate to the State of Israel, to volunteer for meaningful combat service in the Paratroopers Brigade, and he stood out as professional, strong, and focused on the mission. Thank you for teaching us what Zionism and love of the land are.”

A team commander delivered an emotional eulogy, saying, “A moment ago we were together, and now I stand here beside your family without you.” He added, “I failed in a way that will stay with me for the rest of my life because I was not able to be there for you. I ask your forgiveness.” He concluded, “Forever you will be in my heart and in the heart of the team and the company, my brother. I love you.”

Katz’s sister, Adina, said, “My brother, my heart is broken into pieces.” She said he lived with simplicity and joy, and added, “You were a proud soldier, a proud Jew, and we were the proudest family.” She continued, “I would give anything to hear you again.”

Moshe Lifshitz, a member of the Israeli family that adopted Katz during his time in the country, said, “Moshe always had a mischievous smile. I can imagine his smile from above.” He added, “I want to thank his family for leaving Moshe with us, he is a good boy. Now he is closing Shabbat forever. We love you, Moshe.”

In a statement posted after Shabbat, Katz’s father wrote, “This is an unimaginable tragedy. I am sorry to inform you that my 22-year-old son, Moshe Yitzchak, an IDF soldier, fell in battle in Lebanon.” He added, “He had a passion for life and for jokes. My heart is shattered and the wound is real. May he be an advocate for good things.”

Family members said they chose to bury Katz in Israel out of pride in the path he chose, and said they want him to be remembered for his smile and the life he lived.