On Wednesday morning, 16 July 2008, after 735 days on uncertainty, the bodies of Eldad Regev (of blessed memory) and Ehud Goldwasser (of blessed memory) were returned to Israel.
Eldad Regev z”l was laid to rest on Thursday 17 July 2008.
His brother, Ofer Regev, eulogised him:
“We lived in a world where we believed our enemy was exactly like us… We thought we could speak to people who also wanted to raise a child, grow a flower, love a girl, exactly like us. But the enemy proved it is not like us. And still, we will not stop trying.”
“I stand here today sad, crying, but proud; proud of my country that fought with me to bring you back, proud of every citizen who thought of you, Eldad, as his brother. I’m proud to belong to those who love and not to those who hate. And to the entire nation who paid a high price with clenched teeth, they know that camaraderie has no price.”
Biography
Eldad Regev is 27 years old. Born and raised in Kiryat Motzkin. Eldad is the son of Tova (of blessed memory) and Zvi Regev, and brother of Benny, Ofer and Eyal. Eldad attended “Mitzpe”, a religious elementary school in Kiryat Motzkin, before continuing his education in the nearby Yeshiva High School in Kiryat Shmuel. After completing three years of military service in the elite Givati infantry brigade, he enrolled in Bar Ilan University’s pre-law preparatory course with the aim of being accepted to the university’s Law faculty. Eldad is loved and immensely popular among all that know him.
In high school, Eldad excelled in biology and passed all his matriculation exams with ease. In spite of his mother Tova’s untimely death (of blessed memory) while he was in the 12th grade, Eldad decided to serve in a combat unit and volunteered for Givati. After the service, like most of his friends he traveled to the Far East. On his return he started to work while at the same time continuing his studies in Bar Ilan University’s academic preparatory course.
One of the qualities that makes Eldad so special is the kindness of his heart – never hesitating to donate and offer aid to anyone in need. He always likes to stay informed and is constantly involved in what is happening around him. Eldad made many friends throughout high school and during his army service, all of whom can attest to his fine qualities.
Among Eldad’s hobbies are football (last year he passed a coaching course – he is a fan of Maccabi Tel Aviv football team), music and books.
A fanatical football fan, before being called up for reserve duty Eldad closely followed the World Cup games. He also went to Roger Water’s (of Pink Floyd) concert in Neve Shalom.
Eldad was called up for military reserve duty after completing his exams at the preparatory course in Bar Ilan University. During his reserve duty he spoke with his family and told them of his experiences. Three days before his abduction he visited his family and participated in the annual memorial for his mother. Later, he watched the last game of the World Cup between Italy and France. The following day he returned to the complete the remainder of his reserve duty.
On July 12th 2006 Eldad was abducted and taken to Lebanon after Hezbollah attacked his military patrol.
Source: Habanim