In a heartwarming ceremony in central Israel, a widow of an Israel Defense Forces soldier who fell in the 2023 Gaza conflict remarried on June 15, 2026. The event, which blended joy with remembrance, included a moment of silence for her late husband, Staff Sergeant Noam Cohen, who was killed in action on October 7, 2023.
The bride, identified only as Maya, 29, wore a white dress with a blue ribbon symbolizing her late husband's unit. The groom, a childhood friend, proposed in March 2026 after months of support. The couple plans to live in the same community where Cohen grew up.
Rabbi David Lau, who officiated, said: 'This is a testament to life continuing after tragedy.' The ceremony was attended by over 200 guests, including Cohen's parents, who gave their blessing. 'We are happy she found love again,' said Cohen's mother, Rachel.
According to the Israel Ministry of Defense, over 1,200 soldiers have been killed since October 7, 2023, with many widows remarrying in recent years. Support groups like 'Yad LaBanim' have facilitated such unions.
