Staff-Sgt. Adi Leon, 20, laid to rest

The soldier’s grandfather remembered Adi’s love for music and how his dream was to play all over the world.

  (photo credit: INGIMAGE)
(photo credit: INGIMAGE)

Late Staff-Sgt. Adi Leon, one of the soldiers killed while fighting against Hamas in northern Gaza, was laid to rest on Wednesday. 

Thousands of residents from Modi'in and Nili accompanied him on his final journey, waving flags, as he was taken from his home in Nili to the cemetery in Modi'in.

The soldier’s grandfather remembered Adi’s love for music and how his dream was to play all over the world.

"You will not fulfill that dream, but I am sure you will continue to play up there,” he said. “Rest in peace, our dear boy."

A beloved young man

Social media was flooded with tributes to Leon. 

"Our beloved Adi, you were only 20 years old,” read one message. “A sweet boy, always brave, optimistic, and with a loving, embracing smile. We will love you forever."

"Our hearts are broken,” said one of Adi’s friends. “Adi is a hero to all of us."