Senior Staff Sergeant Itay Elyahu Martsiano embodied the spirit of a true IDF hero—leading with courage, compassion, and unwavering resolve until his final breath.

By Uriel Ruetter

In the days following the devastating October 7th massacre, countless stories emerged of bravery, sacrifice, and leadership from Israeli soldiers, officers, and civilians. But behind those moments of heroism were lives already shaped by dedication, courage, and unwavering values.

Among them was Senior Staff Sergeant Itay Elyahu Martsiano—an extraordinary soldier who not only fell in defense of his homeland but lived every day as a model of the IDF’s highest ideals.

Itay Martsiano, just 20 years old, was raised in the town of Shoham, near Ben Gurion International Airport. He was remembered as a passionate, energetic, and deeply loving son and brother—qualities that would later define his leadership in the military.

Before enlisting, during his final high school summer, he worked at a local restaurant where his warmth and charisma left a lasting mark. He formed deep friendships and vowed to return after his service.

So profound was his impact that the restaurant later named a menu item after him and adorned its walls with his photos—a quiet tribute to the young man who never came back but was never forgotten.

After volunteering for military service, Itay passed the demanding selection process for the Paratroopers Brigade and joined the elite 890th Battalion. There, his transformation began—from a spirited young man into a warrior, commander, and mentor.

Following his basic and advanced training and graduating from sergeant school, he was stationed near Hebron, one of Israel’s most sensitive security zones.

His exceptional performance led to his promotion to Staff Sergeant, where he took on the responsibility of shaping the next generation of fighters as a basic training instructor.

This role was a natural fit. Itay led from the front—literally. He pushed his soldiers to their physical and mental limits, often running beside them, shouting encouragement, and even grabbing their hands to help them across the finish line.

Off the training field, he was their brother and confidant. His leadership style—tough, but deeply empathetic—was rare in an environment where rigid discipline often overshadowed human connection. It reflected his core belief: to be both a formidable warrior and a compassionate leader.

As months of intense training passed, his reputation only grew. Recruits and peers alike spoke of his boundless energy, relentless drive, and unwavering devotion to those under his command. He was the type of commander who never left a man behind—physically or emotionally.

Then came October 7th.

In the early morning hours, just weeks before his unit was set to complete basic training, Itay received a call from his commanding officer: terrorists had breached the border.

Though stationed farther north, he did not hesitate. As his mother later recalled, their final conversation was brief but profound:
“I tried to stop you, to slow you down a little,” she said. “But with the decisiveness of a boy becoming a man, you told me, ‘Mom, this is what I enlisted for.’”

Acting immediately, Itay coordinated logistics to ensure his soldiers could reach the front lines. He arranged a bus from Tel Aviv to the Paratroopers’ base for those in Central Israel, while rallying five fellow sergeants living nearby to head south by car.

Their mission was to secure a safe point of entry for the rest of the unit and to protect any civilians caught in the chaos.

While approaching the border town of Sderot, the group encountered two civilians being chased by a swarm of terrorists on the outskirts of Yad Mordechai.

Itay ordered his team to form a defensive perimeter to protect the town’s entrance.

Alongside fellow sergeant Ilay Gamzo (z”l), he advanced to engage the terrorists directly, drawing fire away from the civilians and allowing them to escape.

This act—charging into danger to protect others—was the embodiment of everything Itay stood for. Together, the two sergeants repelled waves of attackers, successfully holding off dozens of terrorists attempting to infiltrate Yad Mordechai.

In the heat of the battle, both were tragically killed—fighting until their final moments.

Their actions bought precious time. Their comrades held the line until reinforcements arrived.

Today, the legacy of Senior Staff Sergeant Itay Elyahu Martsiano lives on—not only as a name spoken with reverence, but as a living example of leadership, courage, and selfless devotion.

Many of his former recruits now serve as staff sergeants themselves, passing on his values to the next generation of Israeli soldiers.

He didn’t just fall in battle. He rose every day as a leader.

And in doing so, he became immortal in the hearts of those who knew him, followed him, and now carry his legacy forward.