Major Ro'i Klein

About Major Ro'i Klein z"l
A true Israeli hero.

Major Roy Klein of blessed memory, the Israel Defense Force Golani assistant battalion commander, from the settlement Eli (yes, yes, a settlement), was the most senior rank officer among his fighters in the village of ?Bint El G?bel? in Lebanon.

During battle, he suddenly noticed a hand grenade thrown to his men. Since it was too late already to defend and prevent the deadly hit of the grenade, he immediately jumped over it in such a way his body completely blocked the grenade's blast, thus saving his subordinates. 

His sacrifice bore the fruit. His troops who were saved told afterwards that he shouted ?Shema Yisrael !? (hear oh Israel ) — a traditional Jewish prayer which is also usually said before one?s death — while he jumped over the grenade.

Ro'i Klein, a true hero in age of an anti-hero admiration, was buried on his thirty-first birthday.

Friends tell about him that he was a very talented saxophonist and a brilliant intellectual, who completed  his engineering studies and graduated with honors. He traveled with friends in Africa, and had an uproarious laughter. All of his acquaintances described him as a gentle, calm guy. His  widow's only wish is that her children will grow up to be like their late father.

Instead of lighting a candle, let his story be heard. He deserved much more than this, but that is all we can do.