זוכרים את איברהים חרובה
His Story
Ibrahim Kharuba was born on November 1, 1983, in the Galilean town of Maj’ar, to Hamda and Hassan Kharuba, the beloved brother of Nura, Muhammad, Suleiman, Ahmad, Anwar, and Azhar. From childhood, those who knew him spoke of a boy who radiated warmth, humility, and responsibility, a young man raised on the values of giving, fidelity, courage, and quiet leadership.
On November 15, 2001, just as he turned 18, Ibrahim joined the Israel Defense Forces. He volunteered as a tracker in the Border Defense Corps, a highly demanding and dangerous role requiring deep reading of the land and devotion to the protection of Israel’s borders. Over more than two decades of exemplary service, Ibrahim rose to the rank of Senior Warrant Officer (Rav Samal Bakhir), serving on the front lines of Israel’s security and the quiet sentinels who keep civilians safe.
He married his life partner, Asmaa, and together the couple built a warm and loving home, raising their four children: Rafif, Lin, Muhammad, and Zhan. His children and kin remember Ibrahim as a present, devoted father, never missing a moment to offer love, a joke, or quiet encouragement. Family, for Ibrahim, was the deepest mission of all.
What set Ibrahim apart above all was his selfless dedication to others, always the first to lend a hand, to organize, to contribute, and to step up for his community and loved ones. Ramadan, weddings, and even daily moments at home were times when his steady presence and readiness to serve shaped those around him. Family members recall the countless times he quietly handled the hard jobs behind the scenes, ensuring everything ran smoothly so that others could enjoy the joy of the moment.
Yet the heart of Ibrahim’s life was service. In the army, he was a trusted guide, not only for his ability to read the land but for his moral example. Known for his devotion, humility, modesty, and respect for all people, he quickly became a cornerstone for new soldiers, young Bedouin recruits, and the seasoned Border Defense officers who respected him deeply.
On the morning of October 7, 2023, during the devastating Hamas assault on Israel, Ibrahim was stationed at the Nahal Oz Outpost. As the attack began, he moved immediately to help defend the base’s surveillance outpost and its young female observers. When the scale of the attack became clear, he bravely fought to block dozens of armed terrorists from advancing deeper into the base. Ibrahim rescued the wounded deputy battalion commander by dragging him to safety from direct gunfire, then returned to the front, placing himself between the terrorists and the command bunker, where he joined a desperate, hours-long defense alongside fellow soldiers and officers.
Out of ammunition and fully aware of the fate awaiting the garrison, Ibrahim famously declared to the women with him, “It has been the greatest honor of my life to defend you,” and refused to surrender when terrorists called for his capitulation in Arabic. He continued to fight, protecting the observers and the command post even as the odds closed in.
He fell at Nahal Oz, at the door, his body later found at the closest point of defense. Before his death, he pleaded with his family to look after his wife and children, sensing the danger ahead. His sacrifice stopped terrorists from capturing or killing more of the outpost's soldiers. Fellow soldiers and commanders have since attested that his heroism saved the lives of many at the site that day. For his valor, he was posthumously recommended for Israel’s Medal of Courage, the country’s second-highest decoration for bravery in battle.
National Commemoration:
In 2024, his family was chosen to light the Memorial Torch at the national Yom Hazikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) ceremony,
representing the heroism and sacrifice of Israel’s fallen soldiers and marking Ibrahim as a symbol of unity and shared destiny for all citizens, Jewish, Bedouin, Muslim, and Druze alike.
Recommendation for Medal of Courage:
The IDF formally recommended that Ibrahim be awarded the Medal of Courage, Israel’s second-highest military honor, for his bravery defending the command post and saving lives at Nahal Oz.
Community and Family Legacy:
Ibrahim’s example is carried forward by his wife and children, his extended family, and all who knew him. Stories of his quiet charity, kindness, and bravery live on in the lives he touched and the future he helped defend.
May the memory of Warrant Officer Ibrahim Kharuba always be a blessing, a flame of hope, courage, and inspiration for the generations to come,
and a symbol of the shared spirit that unites Israel’s heroic defenders across all backgrounds and faiths.
Meet Israel's hero - Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Kharuba.
This is one of the incredible stories of heroism from October 7th.
Ibrahim served as a tracker in the Northern Brigade of the Gaza Division, and on the morning of October 7th, with the beginning of Hamas's terror attack, he was dispatched toward the fence to identify if there was an infiltration attempt. Ibrahim and another officer reached the fence area when fire was opened on them, wounding the officer. Ibrahim returned fire and evacuated the officer to safety. Meanwhile, many terrorists had penetrated and reached the base itself. Ibrahim fought them courageously until his last bullet, eliminating 17 terrorists before falling himself. He fought with strength and valor and saved many at the base.
39 years old at his death, he left behind a wife, 4 children, and an incredible legacy of a brave warrior who is also a symbol of Israeli partnership. An Israeli hero - may his memory be blessed.
Tribute by Yoseph Haddad