Nachshon Wachsman was born on April 3, 1975, in Jerusalem to Yehuda and Esther Wachsman -- the third of seven sons. He attended Horev Elementary School and graduated from the Horev Yeshiva High School. A devoted and active young man, Nachshon was a member of the Ezra youth movement and volunteered with Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service.
In August 1993, Nachshon was drafted into the Israel Defense Forces and, following in the footsteps of his two older brothers, volunteered to serve in the elite Golani Brigade. After completing basic training, he served in combat operations in Lebanon.
In October 1994, while home on leave, Nachshon received instructions to report for a one-day training course in northern Israel. He left his home in Jerusalem on Saturday night after Shabbat, telling his parents he would return the following evening. After completing the course, he was last seen at the Bnei Atarot junction in central Israel, a busy location where soldiers commonly catch buses or hitch rides. It was there that Nachshon was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists disguised as Orthodox Jews.
For five agonizing days, the country followed efforts to locate and rescue him. On October 14, 1994, Israeli forces launched a rescue operation in Bir Nabala, near Ramallah. Tragically, the mission failed. Nachshon was killed by his captors, along with the commander of the rescue team, Captain Nir Poraz. Nachshon was just 19 years old. He was laid to rest with full military honors at the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem.
Nachshon’s death shook the nation, and his memory has since been honored in many meaningful ways. His parents published a book in his memory, filled with reflections from family, friends, and commanders, along with songs celebrating the Land of Israel. Four Torah scrolls were written in his name. A bird migration observatory in Latrun was named after Captain Nir Poraz, and a Center for Understanding and Tolerance was established in Nachshon’s name. The Beit Midrash in his synagogue now bears his name, as does Beit Nachshon, a building in Jerusalem's Shalva Center for children with disabilities. The Nachshon and Nir Respiratory System Fund was established to support elderly and infant healthcare, and in a lasting tribute to his legacy, many families across Israel named their sons “Nachshon.”
Nachshon is remembered for his warmth, idealism, and unwavering commitment to his people and his country.
*** The information on this page is part of the 'Yizkor' commemoration project by the Ministry of Defense / the 'La'ad' website by the National Insurance Institute, in memory of the fallen. We strive for accuracy and apologize for any errors. For corrections or comments, please contact us here: https://aaciremembers.org/contact-us/ ***
