IDF Torch Lighters Selected:
Col. M., Head of the Iran Department in the Air and Space Arm, was chosen to light the IDF’s torch.
Col. M.
Col. M., Head of the Iran Department in the Air and Space Arm, leads and is responsible for building the Arm’s operational plans in Iran within the framework of Operation “With All Your Might” and also in the current campaign, within the framework of Operation “Lion’s Roar.”
Col. M. has held a variety of positions in the Air and Space Arm, including serving as Deputy Squadron Commander and Squadron Commander. The operational plans he worked on, along with his subordinates and thanks to meticulous planning, out-of-the-box thinking, creativity, and collaboration with many entities and partners, have proven the superiority of the Israeli Air Force in various combat arenas.
M.’s work and contribution to the country’s security – from planning operational plans in the Air and Space Arm, participating in and leading attacks in Iran, to uncompromising quality execution – represent “The Power of Renewal.”
Major Nurit Rokeach, who was injured while defending the community of Urim on October 7th and was injured a second time in combat in the Gaza Strip, was chosen to light the IDF’s torch.
Major Nurit Rokeach
Major Nurit Rokeach served as a combat company commander and went on to study at the Tactical Command College. On Saturday, October 7th, during the attack on the Gaza envelope communities, Nurit fought in the battle for the Urim base and was wounded during the battle.
After an extended rehabilitation period, she returned to service as the commander of a dedicated reconnaissance company in the Gaza Division. About two weeks after returning to her role, she was severely injured in an incident where an IDF outpost was attacked by six terrorists who opened fire on the outpost. Nurit’s severe injury in the incident led to a series of complex surgeries during which her leg was amputated. Nurit is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Nurit was chosen because she represents the strength of love for the land and homeland and the fight for them. She serves as an example and a role model, and a source of inspiration for strength, determination, and overcoming any difficulty.
The Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, said: “M. and Nurit – this year’s theme for the ceremony is ‘The Power of Renewal,’ and you, each of you – embody exactly that. Fighters representing a generation of lions after two and a half years of war.”
“Nurit – as a fighter who returned to combat despite a severe injury, you represent the power of the human spirit, the ability to generate strength anew each time in the face of the supreme mission of defending the land.”
“M. – we all witnessed the incredible capabilities of the Air Force pilots in the recent campaign and in Operation ‘With All Your Might.’ You, who stood at the forefront of planning these two tremendous operations and personally led attacks in Iran – represent the combination of Israeli ingenuity, professional capabilities, and the values that drive our fighters.”
“I am proud of both of you. I hope that the citizens of Israel, who will watch you at the ceremony, will feel the same sense of upliftment that I feel now – for the glory of Israel and the defense of the homeland.”
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