A Scholarship in Memory of Captain Lior Arzi, may he rest in peace
Captain Lior Arzi, may he rest in peace, was a combat medic in the elite Air Force unit "Shaldag". Lior was killed in action on November 3rd, 2023 (15th of Cheshvan, 5784), in a battle in the northern Gaza Strip, at nearly 26 years old.
Lior served an extended active duty, taking part in numerous operations in distant locations. The full extent of Lior's contribution to the security of the State of Israel may not be known for many years. However, we do know he contributed greatly, with some of his work implemented in the October 2023 conflict. During his service, Lior initiated and developed two startup companies (in the fields of security and operational medicine) in collaboration with domestic and international companies, as well as the Mossad. Alongside his military service, he volunteered with Magen David Adom, Israel's national emergency medical service, and was training to become an Advanced Life Support team leader in an intensive care ambulance.
Lior was a creative entrepreneur, ever striving for excellence, yet sensitive, humble, attentive, and caring, with a heart of gold, a sense of humor, and a playful spirit. His commanders described him as "an extraordinary soldier and a rare individual." Lior was a natural leader, quietly and powerfully inspiring everyone around him with his trademark shy smile. Lior planned to start his medical studies in March 2024.
We wish to honor Lior's memory with a scholarship that reflects his values and the path he meant to pursue. The Lior Arzi Scholarship will be awarded, at the annual conference of The Israeli Paramedics Organization, to 2-3 combat medics who choose to further their medical studies. It will be granted during the clinical stage of their education (beginning of the fourth year) to outstanding students who present creative, entrepreneurial, or innovative research, mirroring Lior's character.
Since Lior's passing, we have been reflecting on our loss and all that could have been. Those of us and others who were fortunate enough to know Lior throughout his life know that, had he still been with us, his future would have been full of meaningful acts of kindness towards others and the
community at large, full of love, dedication, and humility, continually striving for innovation and excellence, as he has always done.
Honoring Lior through awarding these scholarships is our way of carrying on the legacy he left behind. We invite you to join us in honoring our Lior and, in doing so, continue to spread light through acts of kindness and giving to the community, as he believed and lived his life.
With heartfelt thanks,
The Arzi Family: Nir, Orit, Moran, Sivan, Neta, and his partner Maya.
