Shaked Meir, son of the late David Meir who fell in Kibbutz Bari on October 7th, celebrated a moving halakeh ceremony next to his father’s grave on Mount Herzl.

By Hezy Laing

Shaked Meir, son of the late David Meir, a Sayeret Matkal fighter who was killed in the massacre at Kibbutz Bari on October 7, celebrated his third birthday last Friday with the traditional halakeh ceremony next to his father’s grave on Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl, surrounded by his family members in a highly moving event.

The halakeh ceremony, performed for three-year-old Jewish boys on their birthday, is marked by the boy’s first haircut and symbolizes his initiation into formal Jewish learning.

Family and friends gather as the child receives blessings, sweets, and sometimes a symbolic introduction to Hebrew letters. It celebrates the joy of Torah study, emphasizing learning as a lifelong journey rooted in tradition, warmth, and belonging.

David Meir, 31 years old at the time of his death, was a fighter and officer in Sayeret Matkal, the son of his parents Yair and Chaya, Anat’s husband and Shaked’s father.

He was born and raised in the settlement of Kochav Hashachar, attended the high school yeshiva in Kiryat Arba and then continued his studies at the pre-army yeshiva’s in the settlements of Eli and Itamar.

In 2011, he enlisted in Sayeret Matkal and served in the unit for seven years as an officer. In 2021, he married Anat, and the two established their home in the Nachlaot neighborhood of Jerusalem.

Sayeret Matkal is Israel’s most elite special‑operations unit known for intelligence gathering behind enemy lines, long‑range reconnaissance, and high‑risk hostage‑rescue missions.

Operating with secrecy and precision, it selects only the most capable recruits. The unit’s reputation comes from demanding training, strategic expertise, and missions that require quiet professionalism rather than public recognition.

David was known as a man of the people – with a broad heart, natural modesty and a special ability to connect with every person.

He loved the land, the songs and nature, traveled a lot and sang songs of the Land of Israel, and believed with all his heart in the values of love of the people and the land.

His family and friends describe a man full of strength, sensitivity and joy of life, who inspired confidence, simplicity and optimism around him.

On the morning of Simchat Torah, October 7, 2023, David was rushed to his unit and immediately left his home to join the fighting in the south.

Together with his teammates, he first arrived at Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where they helped many wounded, and later continued the fight to Kibbutz Be’eri, with severe clashes.

During an attempted assault on one of the buildings in the center of the kibbutz, David was mortally wounded along with his teammate.

Despite his serious injury, he remained fully conscious for a long time, and asked his friend to convey his love to his wife and son Shaked.

After complex rescue efforts, he was taken to receive medical treatment, but was pronounced dead at Soroka Hospital.

David left behind a legacy of heroism, dedication, and love of man and country – an image of a brave warrior and a great man, who fell while protecting the citizens of Israel and his homeland.