Chen Nachmias ז"ל

Personal Details

Childhood & Youth

Chen was born at Meir Hospital in the early morning of December 4, 1980. He attended Yachdav elementary school in Ra'anana. When he was in 7th grade, his family moved to Jerusalem for five years and he studied at Ziv high school. He loved nature, animals, and traveling.

Loved nature, the sea, and sports — football, running, surfing, weightlifting, snowboarding.

Military Service — Duvdevan

Chen enlisted in the IDF in March 1999 and joined the Duvdevan unit, where he served as a fighter in Team 70 during Operation Defensive Shield, and took part in numerous operations and missions to defend the country.

Academic Studies

After his military discharge, he traveled in the Far East and upon his return began studying for a Bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences at the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment of the Hebrew University in Rehovot. During his studies, Chen worked in security at Ben Gurion Airport, in personal protection and delegations representing Israel. After completing his first degree, he began a Master's in Marine Biology at the University of Haifa, and during that time worked as an in-flight security guard.

Service in Yamam

After completing his Master's degree, Chen passed the selection process for Yamam. He began serving as a Yamam fighter in 2012 in various teams, and in his final position served as a sniper. He participated in numerous counter-terrorism operations.

The Fall — October 7, 2023

On the morning of October 7, 2023, at 6:30 AM, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel. Chen's team was deployed to Sderot. Upon arrival, they encountered terrorists in a truck and eliminated them, but an additional terrorist force opened heavy fire from ambush. Chen was wounded in his leg and abdomen but continued fighting to the last bullet, switched to his handgun, emptied all ammunition, and fell from his wounds.

Family

Chen and Tal met in 2006 when both worked at Ben Gurion Airport. They married in 2011 and built their home in Even Yehuda. In 2013 their firstborn daughter Noam was born, in 2017 their son Alon, in 2020 their son Uri, and in 2022 their youngest daughter Bar.

Chen's Team Commander

Tal, His Wife — 30-Day Eulogy

Noam, His Daughter

Adva, His Sister

Nati, His Friend & Team Partner

A Friend's Words

MK Chili Tropper — Served with Chen in Duvdevan

Commemoration

The Nachtza Association (Soul, Animals, Color of Life) was established in his memory to help post-traumatic fighters and protect animals. "Chen Point" — a dog sanctuary in Ein Gedi for abandoned dogs from the south and north. A memorial running event is held in Even Yehuda on his birthday.

Connection to Lord of the Land

Chen loved this land — the nature, the sea, the people. He defended it until his last moment. Lord of the Land was built from that same love — to know every cherished plot, to understand every designation, to know what lies beneath our feet. This knowledge is a form of protection. We are residents of Even Yehuda, neighbors of the Nachmias family, and deeply honor Chen's sacrifice for the people of Israel. This memorial page was created in memory of First Sergeant Major Chen Nachmias ז"ל, in cooperation with his family, as part of the Next October initiative — connecting remembrance to digital commemoration.

Links