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December 05
1992
18:00
The Beginning of a Great Light
At Asaf Harofeh Hospital in Rishon LeZion, Sagi entered the world in an easy and swift birth, without causing pain or suffering to his mother.
After the first cry- that familiar and comforting sound signaling all was well- a smile-like grimace spread across his face, which would become his signature expression over the years.
From the day he was born, Sagi was pleasant to everyone, quiet and calm, undemanding, and endowed with a natural, inviting joy that drew love and closeness. Complete strangers would stop his mother on the street while strolling with the stroller, asking to smile at the cheerful baby, and often receiving a smile in return.
1997
Oz, Sagi & Lior
He was born the day before his older brother Oz's third birthday, and about five years later his sister Lior was born, whom he always accompanied with great love, deep concern, and boundless support.
Even though there was a spare room in the house, Sagi and Oz chose to share a common room. Within those walls, they built an entire world of shared interests, movies, and series, and were good friends who shared everything, without any sense of age gap.
When he was in fifth grade, the family moved to Raanana. Sagi easily integrated into the new class, but when the bell rang at the end of his school day, he did not go home with his friends, but waited for his sister Lior to finish her studies, so that they could return home together.
1998
School Days
Sagi was a gifted student who was diagnosed at the age of four and passed his studies with honors. But beyond his intellectual abilities, his captivating personality always stood out. Wherever he went, he made friends loyally and easily.
Already in first grade, when his teacher explained to him that he was allowed to defend himself physically, Sagi chose differently: he always preferred the smile, the outstretched hand, and logic, and managed to turn even rivals into close friends.
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2003
The Gang
In Raanana, the gang came together- Sagi, Eyal and Ido, Sivan and Einat, Michael, Uriel, Guy, Jordan and Golan. Some had known each other and been good friends since elementary school, and Sagi wanted to be part of them. Truth be told, they wanted him no less, with his silly humor and all the personal charm he brought everywhere, but after a short and decisive discussion, they told him that, for the record, he needed to pass a small courage test and eat a raw egg. That was probably one of the few tests in life that Sagi didn't pass, and yet he was recognized as an honorary member of the gang.
They did everything together, good friends who grew up to become each other's landscape. They would meet together in the Presidents' Park in the afternoons, first experiments, a forbidden cigarette, shared and pitch-black humor. They challenged each other: running in underwear around the city, eating the biggest dish on the menu at Nafis in the middle of the night. Laughing endlessly. True friendship, the kind that lasts a lifetime, the kind that allows getting a silly tattoo together and knowing they would never regret it, because these are the true friends etched forever on their bodies.
Class
of
2009
Once a leader, always a leader.
As a teenager, Sagi's daily routine was almost impossible: personal tutoring, youth instructors, Youth Prize, SLACH, student council chairman, advocacy missions to the US and Germany, piano playing, once a week he studied in an enrichment program for gifted children, and more.
In 11th and 12th grade, he participated in the LEAD leadership development track and as part of it established a personal project to help students.
In 2018 at the alumni conference of the organization, he met Omer. By the end of the conference, they had already scheduled their first date for the next evening.
2009
Ramon Award
Eight high school students from across the country—students who serve as examples of leadership, quality, and excellence in their character, achievements, and actions—were selected to receive the 2009 Ilan Ramon Excellence Award.
They were chosen from thousands of others based on their ability to achieve exceptional personal accomplishments and contribute to the community in creative ways, driven by a sense of mission and social commitment.
Among the distinguished attendees at the Ramon Award ceremony was Rona Ramon, and Sagi, who spoke, tried to direct his words primarily to her. Just before Sagi took the stage to speak, he reminded himself to speak slowly, separating word from word. He spoke into the microphone with a confident voice:
"For me, Ilan Ramon is a symbol of Israeli excellence. His Israeli and Zionist figure, combined with his high abilities and achievements, serves as a role model and example of the ideal Israeli. From looking at his life and his leadership persona, and knowing that he dedicated his life to defending his people and homeland, I cannot help but admire him and hope there are many more like him in the country."
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Cass of
2011
Year of Service
Before the army, Sagi chose to embark on a year of service with a Lead commune at the Kadima youth center in Bat Yam.
For a year, Sagi and his commune friends lived in Bat Yam, volunteering daily at the club where they prepared educational materials and connected with the kids and teens' struggles and successes alike.
2012
I.D.F
Sagi began his path in the Anti-Terror Unit as an exemplary soldier, and quickly became a standout commander known for uncompromising professionalism, total dedication, and deep humanity. After attending officers' training at Bahad 1 in the first cohort of designated officers, he returned to the unit to lead a new recruitment cycle as a platoon commander. He accompanied the fighters throughout the challenging training track at Bach Kfir and the Jordan Valley, where he formed "Sagi's Team."
Commanding a team on the track was a demanding mission for Sagi that required infinite investment, especially since he carried it out without compromise. He insisted on meticulous professional preparation far beyond regular training hours, and always operated according to the sacred principle of leading by personal example: he was the first to wake up and the last to go to sleep, ensuring his soldiers ate and were satisfied before him, and closing long field Sabbaths with them. His natural leadership stood out from the first moment: he succeeded in building a cohesive team that believed in itself through a precise combination of healthy discipline, high motivation, and exceptional human sensitivity, while performing every task himself that he asked of his soldiers.
Upon completing the team's long 14-month training, Sagi was promoted to Deputy Head of the Anti-Terror Department. In his role as deputy, Sagi became an integral part of the unit's managerial and operational backbone, participating in significant unit-level decision-making and managing complex training systems while maintaining continuous field connection. In his quiet presence and characteristic composure, he was an anchor in challenging situations and an integral part of the unit's routine operations and activities. Sagi not only trained skilled fighters but built people and left a deep imprint on the unit's character and everyone who had the privilege of serving under his command.
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2015
Sagi's Big trip
For the big trip after the army service, Sagi went to Mexico following his volunteer service.
Sagi crossed the continent in his unique way, sometimes walking alone enjoying the silence and landscapes, sometimes with friends from home or those he met along the way, and during significant periods his parents, Etty and Gilead, joined him, getting to share magical moments from the journey. At one of the trip's highlights, when caught in a sudden and dangerous flash flood, his innate qualities came to the fore: without hesitation, he demonstrated resourcefulness and exceptional leadership, acting calmly and helping others escape the trouble.
During the journey, he also decided to share with his family and friends his newfound understanding that he also loves men, and the family accepted and embraced it. When he returned to the country on a team weekend in Eilat, he also told the guys from the unit.
2015
Sagi was the second grandson to Grandpa Moshe and Grandma Shpra.
At family gatherings, the little cousins would run straight to him and pounce on him with hugs. He would play with them, romp around, and turn every meeting into a joyful adventure.
Over the years, as the children grew, something in the relationships only deepened. They looked up to him in admiration, seeing him as a role model not just because he was older, but because he was an exceptional person: talented, successful in everything he touched, yet remained humble and modest. With him, one could talk about any topic and always receive a listening ear, deep thought, and good advice.
Sagi himself saw family as a precious asset. It was important to him to attend gatherings, shared meals, trips, vacations—every moment that creates memories. At Friday dinners and holidays, he always stood at the head of the table, the one who blessed and led the rituals. Alongside the blessings, he would occasionally add explanations and meanings, enriching all the diners.
The Extended Family
Sagi in the heart of the Ohana family.
Sagi was warmly embraced by Omer’s family and became an inseparable part of it. Despite the initial difficulty in accepting that Omer had a partner and not a girlfriend, Sagi won their hearts over Friday night dinner.
Omer’s father saw him as a son of his own and dreamed of walking them to the chuppah, a deep bond that continues even today as he marches in Pride parades carrying a “Team Sagi” flag. Omer’s twelve nieces and nephews adored Sagi, climbed all over him, and eagerly awaited their pajama parties together, when they built tents in the living room and went off to the sea and the pool.
Gur, Omer’s nephew, made a wish on his fifth birthday: just before blowing out the candles on his chocolate cake, he closed his eyes and wished, “That Sagi, my uncle, will always stay in my heart…” Arad, another nephew, aged seven, turned the thoughts he had written in his diary into a presentation about Sagi, which he gave to his entire class.
With his loving presence, Sagi knew how to create for them a world of joy and safety, leaving a lasting imprint of acceptance and love on the whole family’s heart.
2017
Academic Years
Sagi's desire to educate himself and impact Israeli society led him to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem for the prestigious bachelor's program in philosophy, economics, and political science, followed by a master's in public policy.
In his academic work, he chose to write about social mobility and equality—issues that burned within him and reflected his desire to repair the world, improve Israeli society, and particularly uplift its weakest members.
2019
Daisy
When Sagi and Omer moved to Herzliya, Sagi noticed that Omer missed the family dog they had left with his parents in Jerusalem, so they decided to adopt one.
At an adoption day event with the SOS organization, they saw crowds gathering around cute puppies and young dogs. Sagi then asked a volunteer for the dog that no one else wanted to adopt.
The volunteer led the couple to Daisy, who wasn't quite healthy- thin, with sparse fur and bald patches on her belly, and human-like eyes with a sad gaze. In that moment, Sagi looked at Omer with a determined glance. Daisy became the cherished baby of both, recovered, gained weight, and regrew her fur. She made a point of greeting Sagi every day with love and demanding that he play, pet, and walk with her.
May
2022
The heart of the team
Sagi joined TaylorMed in May 2022 and brought with him a rare energy: a sparkle in his eyes, curiosity, and a genuine desire to learn, achieve, and uplift everyone around him. He came to the company out of a deep commitment to impact-helping patients in the US receive medical treatment by finding suitable assistance programs.
Sagi was a professional who taught, debated with a smile, and spoke lovingly about Daisy, Omer, and his family. He built an SQL course and influenced every project; at 12:23, he was almost always in the kitchen with his famous salad. In his memory, we established a library in the office, a place that continues his spirit, curiosity, and kind heart.
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December 05
2022
Marriage
For Sagi's 30th birthday, Sagi and Omer decided to celebrate in Tenerife. They planned to climb a volcano, but harsh weather delayed the plan day by day until they had no choice and decided to climb the mountain despite the strong winds. The climb was challenging, and just before reaching the summit, Sagi decided it was time to surprise Omer. He got down on one knee and proposed.
The wedding was set for October 20, 2023, and the preparations were extensive: planning a special chuppah in the heart of the desert, designing the suits, and inviting the large family and many friends who were excitedly anticipating the event they had all been waiting for.
The Sabbath
On the morning of October 7, at the sound of the siren, Sagi jumped out of bed, put on his uniform, and rushed his team to the base. Just before he left, he said to Omer, his partner: “One more week.”
After gearing up, Sagi’s team and Negari’s team from the Lotar unit reached the Kerem neighborhood in Kibbutz Be’eri. Their mission was to rescue families trapped in safe rooms. The fighters went from house to house, rescuing many families from their burned homes. To gain the trust of those under siege, Sagi introduced himself: “I’m Sagi from Herzliya,” and made sure to give water to the trapped children. At the same time, the fighters were engaged in a fierce battle against Hamas terrorists who were committing acts of massacre, rape, and kidnapping in the kibbutz.
07
October
2023
Sagi’s team and Negari’s team advancing in operational formation toward the Kerem neighborhood in Be’eri, on a mission to rescue families trapped in safe rooms.
08
October
2023 | 00:18
Red Heart
Sagi and Omer decided they would stay connected even when they couldn't write, so they agreed to send each other a red heart every hour. In the late night hours, the team finished rescuing the families in the houses under their responsibility and had a few minutes to freshen up in one of the houses. Sagi used the time to keep his promise to Omer, writing his chuppah words in a note on his phone at 23:54. Sagi sent a red heart. The last one. At 00:18.
Afterward, Sagi led the way to rescue Eli Ginsberg z"l from the kibbutz fence area. During the rescue battle, Sagi was shot by a terrorist who ambushed the force from a bush under cover of darkness. The fighters with Sagi were wounded; Sagi fell and died on the spot.
In the heroic battles in Be'eri, 4 fighters from the Lotar Unit fell:
Lt. Col. Eli Ginsberg - outgoing Unit Commander
Maj. (res.) Sagi Golan - reserve Team Commander
Maj. (res.) Roi Negri - reserve Team Commander
Master Sgt. (res.) Omri Balkin - reserve fighter in Negri's team
12
October
2023
fortunate to love
Sagi and Omer went through hundreds of songs to find the right wedding song; when they heard the words written by Ivri Lider, they knew these were the words they wanted to enter the chuppah with.
Instead of accompanying Sagi to the chuppah, thousands of family members, friends, and his beloved Omer accompanied him in the funeral procession. The cotton prayer shawls that the couple had carefully chosen were placed on the grave, and Ivri Lider sang:
"And when the sun is erased from the sky
And my heart drips through my brown eyes
Then I remember there are hands that want me close
"I know I was loved."
