We are deeply saddened to report on the passing of Schneur Zalman Cohen, HY”D, a Lubavitch Bachur and soldier in the IDF’s Givati Brigade from Yishuv Yitzhar in the Shomron.

He was 20.

Schneur had studied in Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim in Eretz Yisroel, before joining Kevutza in 5783.

During a recent interview with Israeli TV, he stated. “Yes, [whether] I am a Chareidi, or am not a Chareidi [doesn’t matter]—I am here on the Rebbe’s Shlichus.”

He was killed by terrorists during combat in Gaza, al kiddush Hashem, while defending Eretz Yisroel, on Shabbos Parshas Noach, Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan.

Yossi Dagan, the head of the Shomron Regional Council, expressed his condolences to the Cohen family, stating: “Shneur was a person with inner grace which shined outward. He learned Torah, and he was also a talented fighter. Before he enlisted, he volunteered in the regional defense. He was raised by a family of true pioneers, Dina and Ze’ev Cohen, who moved—at the height of the Oslo war, the Second Intifada—to live in Sa-Nur and strengthen the towns of northern Shomron. They are dedicated to all of the town’s needs. Since October 7, his father has been serving in the reserves, in the regional defense of the Shomron.”

Dagan assured that “the Shomron Regional Council will support the family with everything it needs. The entire Samaria family is mourning and embraces the Cohen family.”

He is survived by his parents, Zev and Dina Cohen, and eight siblings.

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