On January 30th, 2024, Paratrooper Patrol 646 was on a mission on the outskirts of Khan Yunis in Gaza. What began as a house scanning operation to create a sterile corridor for forces turned into a moment that would change lives forever.
As the team entered one of the houses, they encountered resistance on the second floor. Three soldiers were wounded and an officer was shot in the head, collapsing in the living room. After a difficult battle and the evacuation of some of the wounded, Noam Fridman and his comrades went back to rescue the fallen officer.
Climbing the stairs, with Noam second in line, a grenade was thrown at them. The explosion killed his partner and left Noam seriously wounded.
Family and Resilience
Noam lives in Gush Etzion with his wife Gaia and their three children: Sarah (5.5), Malachi (3), and their newest baby, Shilo, born on August 20th. Throughout the war, Gaia has carried the family with remarkable strength, caring for the children while supporting her husband.
How Your Support Helped
Thanks to your generosity through Israel365, Noam and Gaia were able to cover real, pressing needs for their home and children during this incredibly difficult time.
With your help, they were able to:
- Purchase groceries for the family
- Buy clothing for their eldest child
- Acquire basic household items
- Allow Gaia to buy a dress for her brother’s wedding
- Provide the children with new shoes and summer blankets
- Hire a cleaner to prepare the home for Passover
- Cover part of the costs for a major car repair
In their own words:
“Your help really saves us. As a family, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It truly warms us to know we are not alone.”
Standing Together
This is what your support means: stability, dignity, and hope for families like Noam’s, even in the most difficult seasons.
Noam gave so much for Israel. Now, together, we have the opportunity to give back to him and to others like him. Every act of kindness — whether it’s helping cover groceries, providing clothing for children, or easing the burden of daily life — makes a real difference.
By continuing to stand with families like the Fridmans, you are ensuring that Israel’s heroes and their loved ones are never left to face these challenges alone.