The Zenilman Family

Ari Yechiel (הי"ד)

Ari was born in January 1991 to Rob and Lisa Zenilman.
Originally a New York native, Ari and his family made Aliyah in 2005, when he was 14
and settled in Maale Adumim.

Ari barely knew Hebrew but insisted on speaking with his friends to learn the
language as quickly as possible. A brilliant and diligent student, Ari ﬁnished high
school a year early and went on to study in the Har Etzion hesder yeshiva. He
joined the Nachal Brigade and served as a combat soldier. Having completed his
mandatory army service, Ari continued to report for reserve duty as needed. He
studied Philosophy, Economics and Political science at Hebrew University.

After Ari and Chava got married, they lived in the Hayovel area of Jerusalem. They had three beautiful kids together: Achiya, Talia and Maayan Nechama.

Ari worked for the Israeli high-tech company, Mobileye, as an Algorithm Data
Analyst. He was much loved and valued employee.

Fighting to restore Israel's Honor

On October 7th Ari reported to the 8111th battalion of the 5th
Brigade as a combat soldier.
By noon, Ari and his unit were already engaged in heavy ﬁghting in Kibbutz
Kissuﬁm and Reim where they took out dozens of terrorists. Ari and
his fellow soldiers took a signiﬁcant role in the ﬁghting that commenced inside
Gaza. Whenever he was asked what he was ﬁghting for, Ari always said
to restore Israel’s lost honor that was so brutally taken on the morning of
Simchat Torah and that he was proud to be a part of the generation who
could enable the Jewish people to defend themselves.

A new phase of the ground operation started in December in Khan Yunis and Ari’s
unit were tasked with taking out terrorists and destroying underground tunnels,
one of which was located underneath a school.

On December 10th 2023 Ari and his comrades located two terrorists who proceeded to open ﬁre on them and detonate a massive explosive device.
Ari fell in the line of duty together with another four of his team members.

Life after Ari

Ari left behind a dear wife, Chava, a medical student just beginning
her formal internship. He also left behind three adorable kids:

In Memorium

Requirements

Day to Day Needs

Home Management and
Assistance in Rights Claims

Clothing

Emotional Welfare