ROCKVILLE, Md. – Condolences pour into social media following the death of a Rockville Maryland man who died in a missile attack in Israel. 22-year-old Omer Balva was serving in the Israeli Defense Forces and was recently called up for reserve duty. Balva attended Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School from age seven through his high school graduation. The school posted this on Facebook:
“CESJDS mourns the loss of Omer Balva ’19. Omer was an unabashed advocate for the State of Israel. He is a hero to the State of Israel, the Jewish people, and the school. We are devastated and heartbroken.”
It was at that school that he attended with his best friend Ethan Missner. Before Balva left for Israel, he and Missner went shopping to buy supplies for soldiers in his unit, the 9203rd Battalion of the Alexandroni Brigade. He bought knee and elbow pads, earmuffs, and other supplies. Just one week later, Balva died from an antitank missile fired from Lebanon by the militant group Hezbollah, according to the Israeli Defense Forces.
Missner shared a story on his Facebook page about a letter Omer wrote him that was given to the IDF. It said, “I want you to know that every time I’m sad I go to this one thought of me and you at 24 or 25 with our families on vacation, the thought of us with wives and children we love and are able to support always brings a smile to my face. Love you more than anything whenever you need me and I am on a mission just read this letter. Love you dude and remember we are only a few years away from our dream!!”Missner describes Omer as his best friend, brother, and hero. He says he was the most genuine, sweet, loving, and lively person to be with. He continued in his post by saying:
“He had a smile on his face all day every day, and I promise to him, his family, and everyone that knows him I’ll always make sure he continues to live on. I am so grateful for every minute I got to spend with you up until just last week (the last picture) when Jag and I got to laugh with you one last time before you boarded a plane back to Israel. Omer died a hero and sacrificed his life for justice to protect Israel and Jews everywhere. Love you omey, can’t wait to see you again someday.”
Others who knew Omer posted on Facebook as well.
“Completely sad and heartbroken. I cannot muster the words right now. Omer was funny, a true Zionist who loved life to the fullest. Loved Israel, felt a strong duty to defend Israel, and all the while holding strong values of Judaism. I know for a fact that there are many other people whose heart you touched. While we have lost a very special person, your memory will last forever,” posted Polly Hyams.
“I am physically sick to my stomach. How is this real life? There are actually no words. This is Omer Balva, Z’ L. The most incredible family, so together and so loving. A former JDS student was protecting our Jewish right to exist. A true hero that will not be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Balva family as our hearts ache alongside them,” posted Adi Fisher.
Balva was laid to rest on Sunday, Oct. 22 in Israel at the Military Cemetary in Herzliya.