Baby’s Heartbreaking Crawl by Father’s Grave Moves Thousands
Thousands mourned IDF soldier Ariel Lovliner, killed in Gaza, as his nine-month-old son Lior crawled by his grave in a poignant farewell.
On September 1, 2025, thousands gathered at Tsur Shalom cemetery in Kiryat Bialik to mourn Staff Sergeant Ariel Lovliner, the 900th IDF soldier killed in the Iron Swords war, which began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack. Lovliner, 34, fell in Khan Yunis, Gaza, just two days before completing his fourth reserve duty stint since the war’s onset.
His widow, Barbara, carried their nine-month-old son, Lior, who crawled beside his father’s fresh grave in a heart-wrenching scene, joined by the family dog. Barbara, addressing the crowd in Hebrew, Spanish, and Portuguese, said, “Ariel’s friends and family, you are fortunate. You had the privilege of knowing Ariel in this world. Now I need you more than ever.” Amid debates over military draft exemptions, she added, “Israel, Ariel died in Gaza. He wanted everyone to serve, including all the ultra-Orthodox.”
Lovliner, who immigrated from Brazil a decade ago, learned Hebrew at Kibbutz Naan, where he met Barbara, a Spanish immigrant. Married seven years ago, they settled in Kiryat Bialik four years prior. His flag-draped coffin was carried by six sergeants, and as it was lowered, Lior’s cries moved mourners to tears. Barbara shared, “Thank you for sharing 11 years of your life with me. You lived life your way, with friends, family, studies, work, and military volunteering. I’ll teach Lior to grow up free, independent, a good friend, husband, and student. My love, how will I live without you? G-d decided it’s your time to rest. We’ll come here every day, spending time together.” She noted, “This isn’t the private funeral you wanted, I’m sorry, but the world needs to know who Ariel Lovliner was.”
Lieutenant Colonel Gilad Tsubari, Lovliner’s battalion commander, said, “You prioritized the nation’s security, serving four reserve rounds with your trademark smile and immense bravery. You were the first to volunteer. Your friends defined you as ‘Barbara’s husband and Lior’s father’, a true family man. I salute you on your final journey.” Kiryat Bialik Mayor Eli Dukorsky added, “Ariel, when I entered your home on Saturday, Lior caught my eye. It’s unbearable that this sweet child won’t know his father. How can the best among us be the ones to go? Your dreams, shattered in a moment, lie before us in this cemetery.”
Initial reports indicate Lovliner was part of a logistical convoy in Khan Yunis when a fellow soldier’s accidental discharge caused his death. Lovliner leaves behind his parents, who attended from Brazil, Barbara, and Lior.
