‘Do our best to make him proud’
Tributes are being paid to a New Zealand-born man who has reportedly been killed in action in Israel, with rugby star Beauden Barrett promising to “do our best to make him proud”.
Adam Agmon, who was an All Blacks fan, died while fighting as a commander and sergeant in Israel’s parachute brigade, according to his brother Yahel.
“When you receive such a message [that your brother has been killed] first you fall apart, into pieces, fragments, fragments that hurt you.
“This is the biggest loss my world has experienced.”
1News reported that Agmon spent his early years in Wellington and moved to Israel when he was about 4.
Yahel spoke of his brother’s joy, smile and how his “enormous presence will never fade away”.
He promised to remain strong for him, even though he believed his brother was stronger.
“We’ve learned so much from each other and I think it’s time to thank you for everything you’ve given me and everything you’ll give me.”
Israel declared war last weekend after Hamas militants launched thousands of rockets and sent dozens of fighters into towns near the Gaza strip.
The New Zealand Government is continuing to work with Etihad Airways to evacuate Kiwis stranded in Israel, with the first flight leaving Tel Aviv in the coming days.
Up to 54 Tongan and Kiwi members of the Connection City Church Assemblies of God church, who travelled to Israel for a Holy Land tour, are known to be stranded as hostilities broke out between Israel and Hamas last weekend.
New Zealand Jewish community leader Juliet Moses shared that Agmon had been killed in action after being called up to fight on Shabbat.
The post said the soldiers killed two terrorists in Kibbutz Nirim and Agmon was later killed. He was reportedly buried in a regional cemetery in Misigav.
The post said that, although Agmon played soccer in his youth, he loved rugby and the All Blacks, and his family had asked for the news to be shared among rugby fans.
“He was born in New Zealand to Israeli parents and returned at a young age,” the post said. “He has already set up with his father to watch together in the World Cup quarter-finals against Ireland.”
Moses also posted an image of Agmon’s All Blacks tattoo, which his father Oren and brother Yahel also share.
All Blacks fullback Beauden Barrett commented on Facebook in response to Agmon’s death.
“Rest in peace Adam. Thinking of his family and friends at this difficult time. Thank you for your support, we will do our best to make him proud,” Barrett said.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the only Jewish primary school in the country and all synagogues have been closed due to fears of antiIsrael protests. Moses said the Jewish Council was not aware of any specific threats here.
“It was a community decision, but it’s based on the fact that the former leader of Hamas put out a statement declaring 13 October, the ‘day of jihad’ or ‘day of rage’ around the world. So based on that and our concerns and I guess a ‘better safe than sorry’ approach.”
Police said they had not asked the Jewish community to close centres or cancel events but had been in talks with community leaders.