IDF Staff Sergeant Aviel Wiseman remembered: A life marked by purpose and a commitment to serve

In the early hours of Monday, Jan. 13, IDF Staff Sergeant Aviel Wiseman (20) was among five soldiers who tragically lost their lives in an explosion in Beit Hanoun, located in northern Gaza. As a young soldier in the IDF’s Nahal Brigade special forces reconnaissance unit, Aviel’s story resonates deeply within his immediate circle of family and friends and also across the nation of Israel.

Born into a Jewish family of believers in Yeshua (Jesus), Aviel’s life was a testament to purpose, faith and dedication. In an interview with Israel’s Kan Reshet Bet national radio station, his father, Mordechai Wiseman, shared insights about his son and his experience serving with the IDF's Nahal Sayeret Brigade.

“Aviel was a quiet and introverted child who loved his space,” Wiseman recalled. “Yet, he was also very talented, with many gifts and abilities.”

“He really enjoyed his army experience and was able to apply his skills in a wide range of things that interested him. He loved to be with people who were committed to excellence and were ready to give everything they had. He was incredibly motivated, and it really mattered that those around him shared that same value,” Wiseman explained.

Aviel enlisted in August 2023, just six weeks before the Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel’s southern border with Gaza that ignited the Iron Swords War between Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization.

"He and I spent time together last summer before his enlistment. Just the two of us, traveling across the United States, and it was a special time," Wiseman said.

Despite his young age, Aviel demonstrated remarkable maturity and dedication. He completed his military training in November 2024, 14 months after enlisting, and participated in two missions – one in Rafah in southern Gaza, and his second and final deployment in northern Gaza in late December 2024.

While serving, Aviel continued to grow as a leader and strove to do his best.

In an exclusive interview with ALL ISRAEL NEWS last week, Mordechai and his wife Meira described Aviel and his experience in the army.

“Aviel was always curious and an avid self-learner,” Wiseman said. “Even during breaks between combat missions, his teammates told us they would often find him reading weapon system manuals, preparing 3D plans for the next mission objective, or researching technical information about a computer system he was hoping to build. Not surprisingly, one of the monikers his teammates had for him was “the Doctor” and, in general, he was always doing something that would benefit the whole squad.”

"When he wanted to learn something, he was very diligent," he added.

Meira explained how Aviel wanted to enhance his military equipment and capabilities.

“He would place online orders for laser attachments, scopes, helmet cams, all sorts of things to help him in the field. Since he was not at home too often, I would pick up the packages when they arrived and leave them in his room. When he’d get home, he was like a little kid opening his gifts one by one – showing us what they were and how he would use them.”

“When he came home from Gaza the first time, he showed us some video footage from his helmet cam, explaining what he was doing. He didn’t just want to tell us about his experience. He wanted to show us – to give us a small glimpse of what it was like,” Meira added. “It was both fascinating and challenging to watch.”

Wiseman said, “Many of the soldiers who served with Aviel came to visit us during and after the shiva (seven-day mourning period). They told us Aviel didn't always assert himself – that sometimes he would stand back and wouldn't say too much. But when it was time to get something done, he was the first to step up and take the lead. He was often seen alongside the captain of the team, helping to analyze and plan upcoming operations.”

Aviel has two siblings, Eitan (18), who enlisted in the IDF in November 2024 and his sister Ellynoam (16), who will be completing 11th grade this year.

Just a week before his final deployment into Gaza, on his 20th birthday, Aviel was selected to return home and begin a weeklong advanced EVO drone course. This allowed him to be with the family for an unexpected longer stay.

“It was incredible for us to have this extra time with Aviel,” Meira explained. “The drone course was close enough that he could commute home each day. He absolutely loved learning about the EVO and got his certification. He was such a gifted drone operator, the school wanted to recruit him away to teach the next course, but his recon unit wasn’t going to let him go – he was a key member of their leading element, Team Z-1.”

“The following weekend, we said our goodbyes. Of course, we didn’t know that would be the last time we saw Aviel.”

The final communication from Aviel to his family came on Dec. 27, 2024. In a WhatsApp message, he wrote: “Going in soon, I have about an hour to sleep (didn't sleep enough) and soon have to hand over phone. So I probably won't be available until I'm out. Current plan is to be in about 3-4 weeks.”

Unfortunately, that much-anticipated reunion would never take place.

However, there was an unexpected opportunity to communicate with Aviel one last time in a letter.

Just days before the explosion that took his life, the parents of the soldiers in Aviel’s military unit arranged to send care packages with notes and treats to their sons.

Meira shared excerpts from her letter: “I sometimes try to imagine where you are and what you are experiencing, but, of course, it is impossible for me…”

“You are brave and courageous, and I pray that the Lord is strengthening you from within – body, mind, soul, spirit, emotions. I know there are new challenges you are facing every day, and I pray that you can enter into a place of rest despite lots of uncertainty…” she wrote.

“More important than how I feel is this truth: God is with you. He knows what you are facing each day. He loves you and is ready and able to listen to you and be your comfort when you need it...”

Meira signed the letter: “Lots of love forever and beyond…”

Mordechai shared more deeply about what it is like to lose a son unexpectedly during one of Israel's deadliest modern wars.

"Yes, Aviel passed away young – much earlier than we wanted – but he lived his life the way he chose and was so glad to be part of a group of people who were motivated and excelled in getting things done," he said.

“As believers, we see this life as an opportunity to express all that God has put within us. We do not control when we enter or when we leave – only how we live our lives while we are here. It’s not just how long our life is but the quality of life – how we conduct ourselves, how we choose to invest ourselves, how we express who we are.”

Mordechai described Aviel as a deep thinker, grounded in the family’s long-standing traditions of service to God and country.

“We are a family that discusses values a lot, including what is really important – including having an intimate relationship with God.

“Aviel was a deep guy – he thought deeply. And so he had his own views and opinions. We didn't always agree on everything. But in terms of values, our family has been on the same path for generations. Understanding the essence of life and purpose, and why we do what we do. We would talk about our faith on a practical level,” Wiseman continued. 

On Jan. 14, Aviel was honored with an Israeli military funeral, with hundreds in attendance. During the moving ceremony, his father shared the family legacy.

“Fifth generation to return to the land of our ancestors, and fourth generation of Holocaust survivors, disciples of the Messiah Jesus, and servicemen in the IDF,” Mordechai said. “First great-grandson, first grandson, first son... and first to die in military service here in the land.” 

“How we leave this world should not affect the meaning of our life,” he added. “In other words, not how I die, but how I live.” 

Though tragically brief, Aviel Wiseman’s dedication, intellect and quiet leadership represent a life marked by a willingness to serve others and a commitment to live with integrity.

May his memory be a blessing to all.

Mordechai Wiseman runs Israel Firstfruits, helping believer entrepreneurs and growing businesses in Israel to advance the Kingdom of God. Meira Wiseman is part of the ALL ISRAEL NEWS editing team.