A moving tribute to mark the Shloshim of Moshe Yitzchak HaKohen Katz HYD, a young IDF soldier who was killed in battle in Lebanon, was held on Sunday in Orange, CT. Nearly 600 people gathered from near and far to honor Moshe’s life and legacy, and to draw inspiration from the values he personified.
The event took place at Southern CT Hebrew Academy, the school Moshe attended as a child and an institution founded by his namesake, his great-grandfather, Rabbi Moshe Yitzchak Hecht. Speakers focused on the mesiras nefesh both embodied. Among those in attendance were Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, great-great-uncle of Moshe, as well as Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter and Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman. A video tribute featured former classmates, friends, and fellow soldiers sharing heartfelt memories and personal stories, painting a picture of Moshe’s character. Themes throughout the stories were Moshe’s courage, strength, dedication, joy, and care for everyone he knew.
Mendy Katz, Moshe’s father, spoke with profound emotion about the pain of his loss, while highlighting Moshe’s selflessness and his extraordinary strength on the battlefield. Moshe’s grandmother, Mrs. Malkie Katz, spoke about how a Kohen’s garments were custom-made for each individual reflecting each Kohen’s unique role, drawing a parallel to Moshe, who was entrusted with a unique mission.
Schneur Katz, uncle of Moshe, MC’d the event and spoke about how the Rebbe told a woman who he had no graves of tzaddikim near her that she should Daven at the graves of fallen soldiers, who are on the same spiritual level.
Ambassador Friedman conveyed a message from President Donald Trump, and reflected on the phrase “Mi K’Amcha Yisrael.” He also spoke about the critical work that Moshe was involved in while serving in Lebanon, which will have a huge impact benefiting the residents of Northern Israel.
Rabbi Sheya Hecht, Moshe’s great uncle, Head Shliach of New Haven County, spoke about the names Moshe and Yitzchak based on a sicha of the Rebbe from תשנ״ב, and about the fact that Moshe went out of his comfort zone and put his life on the line for Am Yisrael. As a Kohen, he served his people in the ultimate sense. Other speakers included Rabbi Mendy Hecht, Mendel Katz, and Sholom Andrusier who announced about the writing of a Sefer Torah in memory of Moshe.
Attendees were encouraged to donate to Chayal El Chayal, in appreciation of the important work they do supporting lone soldiers serving in the IDF. Artist Mushka Lewis created a beautiful painting portraying Moshe, surrounded by a collage of meaningful symbols that reflected who Moshe was. The artwork was presented to Moshe’s family as a lasting tribute.
The afternoon was a powerful testament to a life lived with genuine joy and courage, commitment to others and a commitment to being a proud Jew—a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were touched by the life of HaKadosh Moshe Yitzchak Katz HYD.
May Hashem send comfort and strength to Moshe’s parents Mendy and Devorah, and his siblings Adina, Yehuda, Shua, and Dubie.
Complete emptiness
First hand story – Moshe was slightly ahead of the group of chayalim crossing the bridge. Suddenly he was hit. The commander then told the others to wait a minute before proceeding. Had they not waited, they may have all been killed c’v. Certainly injured – as some indeed were – Or captured, as the bridge was then blown up.
I know the Chayal (since he was a kid) who was right behind Moshe, Hy’d.
At times like these, it becomes clear that true leadership isn’t about titles, but about a life of kindness and care for others.
The Katz family embodies that completely.
Moshe a”h had a beautiful smile, reflecting the warmth of his father and the legacy of Rabbi Binyomin Katz z”l, a selfless baal chesed with a good word for everyone.
May his neshama go from strength to strength, and may the family be comforted among all of Am Yisroel.