'Your motto was to enjoy life as much as possible,' fallen soldier Stanislav Kostarev laid to rest

Kostarev fell alongside seven other soldiers in the Gaza Strip on Saturday.

Staff-Sergeant Stanislav Kostarev, 21 (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Staff-Sergeant Stanislav Kostarev, 21
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

St.-Sgt. Stanislav Kostarev, 21, from Ashdod, a soldier in Battalion 601, fell in combat in the southern Gaza Strip, the IDF announced Sunday. He was killed alongside seven other soldiers early on Saturday morning, following an explosion in an armored vehicle.

Ashdod Mayor Dr. Yehiel Lasri said that on behalf of the city and all its residents, “We send our condolences to the family and will accompany them and provide them with anything they might need.”

A principal of the elementary school Kostarev studied in, said, “Our dear Stas, you were loved by everyone, quiet and reflective, always respectful of the people around you, wise, pleasant and with a good heart. Your motto was to enjoy life as much as possible. Rest in peace, our hero, a hero of Israel. We salute you.”