[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 184 (Tuesday, November 7, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1068-E1069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE SERVICE OF OMER BALVA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID J. TRONE

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 7, 2023

  Mr. TRONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of 
dual-American and Israeli citizen--Omer Balva--who made the ultimate 
sacrifice while defending Israel from terrorism.
  Omer grew up in Rockville, Maryland, where he lived until he was 18. 
Every summer, he traveled to Israel to visit relatives, and quickly 
fell in love with the beautiful country, where his parents came from. 
After graduating high school from the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day 
School, he moved to Israel to join the Israeli military--ready and 
willing to step up and defend his new home, his family, and his 
friends. He finished his three-year IDF service and then enrolled in 
college. A few weeks ago, Omer traveled to America with his girlfriend 
to vacation and visit friends--including his best friend, Ethan 
Missner, and Ethan's father, Jonathan Missner, whom I consider a 
friend.
  After the heinous terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7th, 
Omer was recalled from his vacation in America to his unit in order to 
mobilize and deploy to the Lebanese border to protect against ongoing 
attacks. On Friday, October 20th--just three days after being 
deployed--he was killed in action. He was 22 years old.
  Omer had big life plans. He was soon to get married, start a family, 
work at his father's

[[Page E1069]]

business, and teach his future children to love Israel as much as he 
did. He had his whole life ahead of him, and today we mourn the life he 
lost.
  His commitment to the greater good, his unwavering bravery, and his 
altruism were a guiding light for all who knew him. And although we can 
never repay Omer or his family for his courageous efforts, may his 
memory be a blessing.
  We must honor Omer Balva for his service and strength to fight back 
against terrorism as we hope for peace in Israel and beyond. May his 
memory be a blessing.

                          ____________________