IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot commended fallen pro-Israel advocate Ari Fuld, may God avenge his blood, during a military ceremony on Monday honoring fallen soldiers of the Paratroopers Brigade.
Fuld, a reserve paratrooper, was stabbed to death Sunday by a Palestinian Authority terrorist in Gush Etzion.
The IDF chief of staff commended Fuld for his efforts to prevent harm to others even though he was mortally wounded, calling him a “devoted warrior.”
Fuld chased his attacker across the outside section of the Harim Shopping Mall at the Gush Etzion junction, after he was stabbed, even leaping over a short wall to maintain pursuit.
“The attack in Gush Etzion took the life of Ari Fuld, a reserve paratrooper. He was a devoted warrior until his very last moment. He tried to thwart the terrorist using all of his remaining strength, thereby preventing a much bigger attack,” Eizenkot said, according to Ynet.
Fuld took the time to brace himself to get proper aim at the target, firing three shots at the terrorist before collapsing to the ground. All three bullets found their mark.
To the bereaved families at the ceremony, the IDF chief said, “From the moment officers appeared on your door step delivering terrible news, every day is a day of remembrance and infinite longing. Thoughts of unfulfilled dreams, and the life he could have had if he were still with us.
“All we can do is be worthy of their sacrifice and make a great effort to continue on their path voluntarily, responsibly and faithfully to strengthen the State of Israel.”