IDF Commando Brigade — Maglan Unit
Fell in the line of duty on October 7, 2023 (22 Tishrei 5784)
Laid to rest at the civil cemetery in Kfar Menachem.
Beloved son of Dorit-Tom and Amir, and brother to Yam and Shachaf.
Who Afik Was
Born on December 8, 2002 in Gedera, Afik moved with his family to Kibbutz Kfar Menachem, attending the local “Ela” elementary school and the regional “Tzafit” high school. From a young age, he stood out for his emotional intelligence, kindness, and talent for bringing people together. He was a gifted guitarist, a devoted Hapoel Tel-Aviv fan, and the friend whose smile and laughter lit up every room.
A Path of Service
Afik always wanted to give back. He enlisted in December 2021 to the Paratroopers Brigade (Battalion 890) and trained as a combat medic. Calm under pressure and highly professional, he was appointed company medic earlier than usual. Refusing to settle, he set his sights on Maglan, an elite unit in the IDF Commando Brigade. When a medical issue threatened to end his service, he volunteered to remain in uniform and reached his goal—joining Maglan’s forward command team in July 2023.
October 7, 2023
On the morning of Simchat Torah, as sirens sounded, Afik rushed from home to base and joined the deputy commander’s forward command team heading south. Near Kibbutz Nahal Oz, they were among the first responders, intercepting terrorists and saving lives. During the engagement, the deputy commander and operations officer were wounded. True to his calling, Afik ran to treat them. While delivering lifesaving care, he was shot and killed—a final act of courage and devotion.
He was posthumously promoted to Staff Sergeant (Samal Rishon).
A Family’s Voice and a Living Legacy
Afik’s family chose to honor his memory by choosing life—continuing to live fully and to spread the light he embodied. In his memory:
- “Afik Purim” — founded by his sister Yam with her friend Mor — builds creative costumes for mobility aids so children with special needs can celebrate with joy.
- A community garden was established in Bat Yam on the first anniversary of his fall.
- The song “One Day” (יום אחד), created within the “Singing in Their Memory” project by Gili Asraf, Ben Wade, and Gil Budek, features Afik’s own guitar playing.
- “Yonat Ha’Ahava” (יונת האהבה) by Maor Sabia includes a voice recording of Afik saying, “It’ll be okay — I’m watching over you” (״יהיה בסדר — שומר עליכם״).
- Friends from Maglan tattooed a sun, echoing Afik’s own tattoo, as a symbol of his warmth and light.
- An Instagram memorial page@remember_afik_rosenthalcontinues to share stories and memories.
Why Afik Is Part of Dojo’s Story
Dojo’s mission is to help people choose life in the everyday—building healthy habits together, in real time. Our bond with the Rosenthal family is personal: Yam, Afik’s sister, is a close friend of our team. In friendship with the family, and inspired by Afik’s character and courage, we dedicate our work to carrying forward his spirit—showing up for one another, acting with compassion under pressure, and turning intention into action.
People become better together. That is what Afik did for everyone around him, and it is what we aspire to do at Dojo—every day, with every challenge, and with every small act that adds up to a life well lived.
#NextOctober
Dojo is honored to participate in #NextOctober, an initiative led by high-tech entrepreneur and former Minister of Science Izhar Shay: 1,800 Israeli startups in memory of 1,800 fallen. May the memory of Staff Sgt. Afik Rosenthal z”l and all who fell be a blessing.
.png){kind=small}
