Fallen Messianic IDF soldier honored with volleyball tournament | Urija Bayer memorial

An unusually powerful volleyball tournament was held at the Wingate Institute in Netanya earlier this month, celebrating the favorite sport of Messianic soldier Urija Bayer, who was killed while fighting in Gaza, to honor his memory.

With teams from across the country, the atmosphere was vibrant, yet there was also a quiet unity – a shared desire to honor a young man whose life, service, and faith left a mark on everyone he touched. 

Mark Medvedovsky and Rubi Beshai organized the event through the organization “Fields of Wheat,” and Urija’s sister designed a t-shirt bearing the image of her brother, which was proudly worn by the participants.

The tournament began with prayer, and both Urija's memory and Jesus were honored throughout the whole evening.

Speaking of the Bayers, Beshai said, “They're an incredible family, so for the entire body of believers to send people to come and to just honor his life, it's just really special.”

He added, “It just allows us to be able to say like we're part of something, we're going to come together, we're going to make a stance and just be able to say God is still good.”

The 20-year-old IDF soldier was fatally wounded while fighting in Gaza in December 2023, but his strong faith in Jesus has shone through both in his life and in his death. Thousands attended his funeral, and his willingness to serve and even sacrifice his life as a Christian deeply impacted all sectors of Israeli society.

Now today, Urija’s family and friends are emphasizing their hope and faith during their time of grief.

His parents chose the verse, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11), reminding everyone of Urija’s positive and joyful spirit. 

“I think he’d want us to be happy, to continue with our lives and bring joy and smile,” said Urija’s brother, Zuriel. When asked about Urija’s legacy, Zuriel said, “I think it's the hug and the smile and the honesty. Yeah, that's the thing that I take from him.”

The energy and joy throughout the event served as a celebration of Urija’s life, while his family and friends drew strength through their collective remembrance of a very special, and well-loved man.

Urija’s family still needs our prayers, along with the families of other believers who have paid the highest price to protect this nation.

May their courage and sacrifice never be forgotten.