With great sadness we mourn the death of First Sgt. Michael Levin, age 22 and paratrooper in the Israel Defense Force.  Michael was killed in Lebanon on August 1 in the battle at the village of Ayla al-Shaab. Michael Levin's funeral took place on Tisha B'av, August 3, at Mt. Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem. Michael was an alumnus of Hagesher USY, Camp Ramah in the Poconos, USY High and Nativ 22.

Michael is the son of Harriet Levin, long-time Hagesher USY administrative assistant, and Mark Levin of Holland, Pennsylvania. Michael is also survived by his sisters Elisa and Dara.

Michael is the first Nativ alum to be killed in the line of duty while serving in the IDF. In his Nativ yearbook, Michael was pictured with an Israeli flag and he wrote, "You can't fulfill your dream unless you dare to risk it all." 

May God grant comfort to those among our people in mourning. May the memory of Michael be for a blessing. We pray that his commitment to Israel will achieve lasting peace for Israel and the Jewish people. 

Please click here to read three of the many news stories about Michael.

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