Matan Meir, a 38-year-old soldier from the 551st Brigade’s 697th Battalion and a valued member of the renowned “Fauda” production team, met a tragic end in northern Gaza. The circumstances of his death unfolded alongside three other soldiers from the 697th Battalion, who also lost their lives near a booby-trapped tunnel shaft adjacent to a mosque in the Beit Hanoun area. Importantly, the troops were not inside the tunnel at the time of the incident.
Who was Matan Meir?
Described as a man with a heart of gold, full of kindness and generosity, Meir had not only made a significant impact as a soldier but also contributed to the success of the “Fauda” series across all four seasons. Lior Raz, the actor and co-creator of “Fauda,” expressed his deep sorrow, emphasizing Meir’s availability and his commitment to work and giving out of genuine love.
Hailing from Moshav Odem in the Golan Heights, Meir, in addition to his work on “Fauda,” had been involved in various other productions such as “The Police,” “Manayek,” “The Dream Owner,” and “Magpie.”
Liat Benasoli, the main producer of the series, paid tribute to Meir as a man with a unique soul, one who had endeared himself to everyone he encountered. Describing him as a genuine moshavnik with an infectious joy for life, Benasoli highlighted Meir’s selfless dedication to helping others, always accompanied by a warm smile and love.
Friends and colleagues echoed their admiration for Meir’s unwavering patriotism and commitment to the country. Assaf Rapaport recounted Meir’s release from his battalion and subsequent recruitment into another, emphasizing that the love for his homeland coursed through his veins.
Among the other soldiers who tragically lost their lives alongside Meir were Maj. (res.) Moshe Yedidyah Leiter, Sgt. Maj. (res.) Yossi Hershkovitz, Master Sgt. (res.) Sergey Shmerkin, and Master Sgt. (res.) Netanel (Nati) Harush. The collective grief for these brave individuals reverberated across the military and the community they served.
