Sgt. 1st Class (res.) Oren Tzelnik

May 24, 2002 - Oren Tzelnik, 26, of Bat Yam, an IDF reservist, was killed on the first day of a two-day IDF anti-terrorist operation in Tulkarm. He came under heavy gunfire after leaving his armored vehicle to search a building; he was mortally wounded by the first burst of fire.

Oren Tzelnik had wanted to serve with his reserve unit from the very beginning of Operation Defensive Shield. His mother, Esther, told how he kept calling his officers to see when he would be called up, and was disappointed when told to wait. Oren was in his third week of reserve duty when he was killed.

Oren was born in Jaffa, and grew up in Bat Yam. He went to Yad Mordechai elementary school in Bat Yam and Telem high school. He was an outstanding athlete and while in high school played basketball in the youth division of Macabbi Tel-Aviv.

Tzelnik did his regular IDF service in the paratroopers. His mother told of his great desire to serve in a combat unit in the army, and how he had asked her to sign the permission form necessary for 'only sons' who want combat assignments. After finishing his army service, took an extended tour of Thailand.

In addition to his studies in computers at the John Bryce computer academy, Oren worked in the exclusive restaurant in the Azrieli towers in Tel-Aviv, and more recently, at Internet Zahav.

Oren Tzelnik had been planning a trip next summer to New Zealand and Australia. His sister said that "he had so many plans for his future, and now everything is finished." His mother, Esther, added: "Now all we have left are the pictures and the memories."

His eldest sister, Sigalit, described Oren as "a wonderful person, always willing to help; he did everything with his whole heart." Another sister, Lilach, spoke of his smile and popularity with women. His youngest sister, Lital, talked about his sense of humor and ability to enjoy life. She also said that Oren would calm her down when she was frightened that something would happen during his reserve duty, "He always took care of everyone, helping and supporting them. There aren't many people like Oren". Friends described Oren Tzelnik as the "pride of his neighborhood in Bat Yam."

Sgt. 1st Class Oren Tzelnik was buried in the military cemetery in Holon. He is survived by his parents, Ariel and Esther, and his sisters, Sigalit (24), Lilach (19) and Lital (15).