Adir Portugal, (23) was an officer of the Givati Infantry Brigade’s Shaked Battalion, who also served in a variety of significant roles. After completing five years of military service, Adir was released in August 2023 and flew to South America with his girlfriend, Daniel, a week later. Adir managed to travel for two months before receiving the news on October 7th that his company commander was killed in battle at the Gaza strip surrounding communities and expressed his desire to return. He caught the first flight from Peru’ landed back in Israel where he picked up his uniform and drove to his base to pick up a weapon before even being called up.
He was part of the first forces who went into Gaza for the ground maneuver, fought bravely in the Northern Gaza strip before falling in battle at Jabalya on November 19th 2023.
Adir supported Maccabi from a young age, was a season ticket holder together with the rest of the family who followed Maccabi in Israel and overseas, before joining the IDF for his national military service. He loved playing football and was an exceptional athlete. He played at professional level until the age of 16, captained his side and continued to play with his close friends every Saturday when he returned from the army at weekends. Adir even used to organize football matches on his military base.
Adir had a perfect smile, he was brave, strong funny and sophisticated. There is nothing he couldn’t deal with – “To be always first no matter what” – this is who he was as he could never lose, always win.
Wherever he would go, he was always the most loved by everyone. During the Shiva’a, we heard numerous stories about Adir we didn’t know of. About the girl he helped on a flight to South America and on the mother whose son was a soldier serving under Adir who looked after him. So many stories that tell his tale, his kindness, generosity, his care and empathy which just typified him.
We love and remember him forever.
