On October 7, 2023, Major Ilay Zisser and Captain Hadar Kama fell in battle while defending Kibbutz Kfar Aza during Hamas’s brutal attack on Israel. Both were members of Israel’s elite Sayeret Matkal unit. Both were known for their quiet leadership. Both were born on July 11. And both died together on the same day, fighting side by side.
This month, the Jewish community of Denver will come together to honor their memories with a powerful, public tribute in collaboration with Golda House and in the presence of their families, visiting from Israel. Hadar, the great-nephew of Golda Meir, carried forward a legacy of service and resilience. Before their families arrive in Denver, we sat down to speak with them—to listen, to remember, and to begin to understand the lives behind the names.
“He Became Exceptional”: Remembering Hadar Kama
“Hadar always noticed what others needed,” his parents shared. “As much as he pushed himself to reach his own goals, it was just as important to him to look around and support the people around him.”
Hadar Kama, 24, was the eldest son of Gila and Eyal and a beloved older brother to Shira and Alma. He grew up in Moshav Givat Shapira, and from a young age, Hadar stood out— “not because things came easily to him, but because of how hard he worked and how deeply he lived by his values,” Eyal shares. His mother describes him as deeply social, someone who built meaningful connections wherever he went. Even during a family move to the United States in elementary school, he made friends effortlessly, undeterred by the language barrier, “He didn’t need words to connect with people”.
Back in Israel, Hadar became active in Five Fingers, a rigorous youth leadership and fitness program. It was there that his inner drive became undeniable. “He didn’t chase the spotlight, but he showed up, every single time, with full heart.” Determined to reach Sayeret Matkal, Hadar prepared for years—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
His parents said, “What brought him success were his mental strengths; he simply wanted it more than anyone else. From that determination came the physical and other abilities required to complete the unit’s demanding 18-month training process.”
Hadar went on to serve five years in the unit, rising to command and receiving commendations—including one from the IDF Intelligence Directorate—for his role in sensitive operations. True to his modest nature, he never even told his family about the award. During his service, Hadar met Ilay Zisser, his commanding officer. What began as a professional relationship grew into a deep mutual respect—and eventually, a lasting bond.
“He Led With His Heart”: Remembering Ilay Zisser
“He was the best at everything,” Lior Yogev, Ilay’s sister, shares, “but he never made anyone feel less. That was his gift—he made you feel like you mattered.”
Ilay Zisser was the youngest of four siblings—a youngest child in every sense: doted on, adored, and, as Lior puts it, “the favorite of us all.” He grew up in the small community of Givat Ela, the beloved son of Vered and Daniel, and little brother to Ido, Lior, and Noam.
From a young age, Ilay dreamed of joining Sayeret Matkal. “He just knew what he wanted,” Lior says. But his path wasn’t direct.
Initially selected for the prestigious Air Force pilot course, he accepted the honor—even though he hated flying. “He was amazing in navigation,” Lior smiles, “but terrible in the air.” He endured until he was allowed to leave, finally free to pursue his true goal.
When Sayeret Matkal first rejected him because of time lost in the pilot program, Ilay didn’t give up. With help from Ido, he signed on for extended service—and was accepted. “Every moment there,” Lior says, “he loved.”
Ilay thrived in the unit. He became an officer, then a team commander. “His soldiers were like his kids,” Lior says. “He invested in them deeply. That was who he was—he built relationships, and he protected them fiercely.”
During officer training, Ilay met Tomer—an officer in the instruction corps. He made the first move. They began dating, and three years later, they married. At the time of his death, Ilay and Tomer were living in Be’er Sheva, building a life together, just months away from finishing his military service.
October 7th
On October 7th, both families were scattered, physically and emotionally. The Kama family, like many others, struggled to comprehend what was unfolding. “It was hard to believe what we were seeing on TV. There was so much chaos—we didn’t hear from him for days, but that didn’t necessarily mean the worst.” As hours stretched into days, their concern deepened. “After two days, it started to feel real. Still, everyone held onto hope—until the officers arrived.”
Ilay’s family was spread across the country—and the world. His sister Lior, in Detroit for a Jewish Federation shlichut, woke to endless messages. “I called home, confirmed everyone was okay, and was told Ilay had been called up but was fine,” she recalled. She focused on organizing a solidarity event for Israel, never imagining anything could happen to him.
Only on October 9th, her husband walked into her office. “I knew right away,” she said. “There was no reason for him to be there.” The knock on the door came in Detroit, while others reached her family across Israel.
Coming to Colorado
Grief has taken many forms for the families of Hadar Kama and Ilay Zisser. Hadar’s mother still feels his absence in the smallest moments—like waiting for him to turn on the light on Friday nights, just as he used to. For Ilay’s sister, Lior, who is far from home in the U.S., the pain is constant and tied to the ongoing reality of war. She channels her loss into action, raising awareness and sharing Ilay’s story.
That this memorial is taking place at the Golda Meir House Museum, where Colorado and Israel connect, is deeply meaningful to both families: “It’s a reminder that, even across oceans and generations, both families have fought for this land and the values it stands for,” Gila shared.
Ilay’s favorite unit motto, “Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations,” reflects the spirit their families hope the community will carry forward. Their close friendship, shared birthdays, and unbreakable bond now unite their loved ones as they carry on their legacy together.