"He may have died young, but he lived exactly as he chose," says Mordechai Wiseman, speaking about his son Aviel, one of five Nahal Reconnaissance Unit soldiers killed in Tuesday's building collapse. "He was incredibly proud to be part of something bigger than himself, to be among people dedicated to serving others."
The tragedy struck just months into Aviel's military service, which began two months before the October 7 attacks. Mordechai treasures their last summer together, when father and son traveled across America. "We had that special time, just the two of us," he recalls, his voice softening. "It wasn't the length of life we wanted for him, but he lived it fully."
In an emotional interview with "Seder Yom," Mordechai painted a portrait of a quietly determined young man who found his calling in military service. "Aviel was always introspective, comfortable in his own space," he explains. "But he had this remarkable talent, these abilities waiting to be expressed. The army gave him that platform. He thrived there, surrounded by others who shared his commitment to service."
The family's strong faith shaped Aviel's worldview. "We often had deep conversations about values, about what truly matters in life," Mordechai shares. "He thought deeply about everything."
Before the building collapse, Aviel had been serving in various sectors of Gaza, including Rafah. "He'd occasionally share helmet camera footage, helping me understand his world," his father says. "Once they moved into northern Gaza, though, we heard from him less. He was always careful about communications in the field."
As the war's death toll reaches 840 soldiers, Mordechai offers touching advice to other parents: "Cherish those everyday moments – they're what you'll remember. When your kid's absorbed in their phone or computer, walk into their room anyway. Give them a hug. Place your hands on their heads and say a prayer when they leave the house."
To young people, he shares his son's philosophy: "Know who you are. Stand firm in your beliefs. Don't shy away from being exactly who God meant you to be. It's better to live fully than to run from your potential."
Staff Sgt. Aviel Wiseman of Poriya Illit fell alongside four fellow Nahal Reconnaissance Unit soldiers in the Beit Hanoun incident: Capt. Yair Yaakov Shoshan, 23, from Ma'alot-Tarshiha; Staff Sgt. Yahav Hadar, 20, from Kfar Tavor; Staff Sgt. Guy Carmieli, 20, from Gedera; and Staff Sgt. Yoav Peffer, 19, from Herzliya.
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