During Operation Iron Swords, Staff Sergeant (res.) Edan Keenan Cohen, 21 years old from Ramat Gan, a fighter in the Nachshon Battalion (90) of the Kfir Brigade, shot by a Hamas sniper on the outskirts of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

Edan served as a sniper in the Kfir Brigade and continued to serve in the reserves after completing his regular service in April 2024.

.He was known as a brave, principled, and dedicated fighter who always encouraged and supported his fellow soldiers.

In a message he sent to his grandmother before his death, he wrote: I know the risks and what could happen, and I am at peace with that—and even more. This is the path I have chosen, and it is the path I believe every man in our country should choose.

Edan grew up and was educated at the Eshel Avraham synagogue in the Ramat Amidar neighborhood of Ramat Gan, where he would go every Saturday to pray and study Torah. The synagogue was a place of connection, identity, community, and faith for him.

In his memory, his family, in collaboration with the organization 'L'Zikaron L'Nitzach' (In Everlasting Memory), initiated a comprehensive renovation project for the synagogue, including the replacement of chairs., Upgrading the lighting, making the women's section accessible, and installing a new holy ark., 

In addition, dozens of pairs of tefillin were purchased in a luxurious case for people who do not have them.

The project received widespread support, and within a week and a half, hundreds of thousands of shekels were raised to fund the renovation.

Idan's mother, Adi Kinan, said: "The synagogue was the place where Idan grew stronger, blossomed, and connected with his identity. We want the synagogue to continue to shine as it did for Idan, a place that embraces, connects, and gives a sense of belonging and love. That's what Idan would have wanted.".

.The memory of Eidan will live on through the place where it all began—the place where he became a child of faith, love, and giving.

May his memory be blessed.