Herzog pays tribute to ‘Israeli warrior’ Daniel Perez

Israeli President Isaac Herzog paid special tribute to Captain Daniel Perez on 15 October in a eulogy for deceased hostages. Perez’s body was returned to Israel this week and was buried on 15 October.

The son of South African-born Rabbi Doron Perez, Perez grew up in South Africa and went to Yeshiva College before making aliya 10 years ago. He fell in battle defending Nahal Oz on 7 October 2023, and was taken captive by Hamas. His body was returned to Israel two years later as part of the recent agreement.

“At this moment, so full of pain – here, on the mountain of heroism and rebirth, the mountain of longing, of tears, and of faith in the justice of our path – I wish to address all the bereaved families, to bow my head in reverence, and to say thank you, on behalf of the state of Israel,” Herzog said.

“Thank you for the sons you raised – warriors of courage who didn’t hesitate when called to rescue the state of Israel, to fight the enemy, and to bring the hostages home. Warriors who carried pictures of the hostages in their pockets, and courage and strength in their hearts.

“Because of these brave sons and daughters, because of the bereaved families, because of the wounded who sacrificed so much, because of all of them, we have reached this moment. A moment that brings hope to our people and to our entire region, a moment that will be remembered forever in the history of our nation.”

The president described Perez as a symbol of courage, devotion, and love of country.

“Daniel led his soldiers with responsibility, with faith in the justice of their cause, and with boundless love for his people and his homeland. He fought until the last drop of blood, embodying the very spirit of the Israeli warrior – steadfast, moral, and brave. Today, the son of the nation returns to his soil, to our soil.”

Herzog expressed solidarity with all bereaved families, the wounded, and the returned hostages, reaffirming the moral and national obligation to bring back every fallen soldier and every hostage still held in Gaza.

“We must not stop, we must not tire, we must not give up or accept a reality in which any of our fallen have yet to return. The mission is not yet complete. We will continue until all are home.”