IDF Sgt. Almog Shiloni. Photo: family.

With reporting by Tazpit News Agency

Over a thousand people crowded into Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl military cemetery on Tuesday to escort St.-Sgt. Almog Shiloni to his final resting place. Among them was Noi, his girlfriend.

“We wanted to get married; you brought me back to our faith; you did a great mitzvah (meritorious deed). Apparently, it was your final one,” Noi said.

Shiloni, 20, who was murdered on Monday in a terror attack in Tel Aviv, was buried with full military honors, and was promoted one rank posthumously.

“You angel. I have no words to describe you. I will never forget you,” she vowed.

His twin brother, Sahar, said in his eulogy, “They told me to prepare a few words, but I said no, you [Almog] will tell me what to say… for us it’s hard. Just help us from Above, strengthen us.

“I had one heart, and now I have half of a broken one. I love you, my brother,” Sahar said.

Almog’s family and friends all spoke of his deep desire to help others, and how he put everyone before himself. Despite poor vision which disqualified him from a combat position, Shiloni fought and was accepted to a post with Air Force base security.

IDF St.-Sgt. Almog Shiloni funeral. Photo: Tazpit News Agency.

“Our beloved, what a precious gift we have received,” his father wept over his son’s open grave. “This month you reached your 20th year. A devoted, motivated, kind child, with bright eyes and a winning smile. A scholar with good character. You were loyal and devoted to Sahar, your twin brother; to Tehila, Lidor and Eliran.”

His father said Almog used to ask to bring home lone soldiers (new immigrants serving in the IDF, without family in Israel).

“‘I have meetings with donors for the unit,’ he’d say, ‘maybe I can get shoes for the soldiers,'” his father cried. “What a child you were to us; you treated us like kings. Who taught you to behave so?

“You were always about everyone else except yourself,” Sahar cried.

Watch a video clip of the funeral below:

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