‘He gave everything to reserves’: Harel and Tamir mourned after deadly Lebanon blast

Two Israeli reservists, Major Harel Birenstock and Sergeant Major Tamir Vaknin, tragically lost their lives Wednesday when a bomb detonated in the Lebanese village of Majdal Zoun, a territory under IDF control. Vaknin, from Eilat, is survived by his parents and two brothers, while Birenstock, from Nokdim, leaves behind his wife, four children, parents, and siblings. Four other reservists sustained serious injuries in the blast. All six were members of the 2855th Battalion of the 55th Paratroopers Brigade.

Harel Birenstock's friend, Michael Tomer, described him as a lifelong friend who was always determined to do his best. Tomer noted that Birenstock had completely devoted himself to reserve duty for the past three years, putting his career and personal life on hold to serve his country. He recalled Birenstock's generosity, including raising 30,000 shekels for the Shalva organization and running the New York Marathon together two years ago.

Vaknin's brother Yoav described him as warm, humorous, and deeply committed to his comrades. Vaknin had been in reserve duty since October 7 and was considering a position in the United States. He had always taken care of his family and often visited his parents and siblings, deeply caring for everyone around him.

Mayor Eli Lankri of Eilat, where Vaknin was from, expressed profound sorrow over the loss and lamented the impact on the city. Ariel, a friend of the Vaknin family, urged Eilat residents to attend Vaknin's funeral at the military cemetery, emphasizing that the family should continue to believe they are being watched over and reminded them of their duty to protect the country.