On October 13, 2026, Israel and Ukraine learned of the death of Grigory Tamar — a reserve captain of the IDF, military analyst, medic, historian, writer, and public figure. He was 54 years old. For many Israelis, he was a person capable of explaining what was happening in the war in understandable language. For the Ukrainian audience, he was an Israeli who not only supported Ukraine with words but also helped it long before the full-scale Russian invasion.
Author: NANews Editorial.
The death of Grigory Tamar became known on Tuesday, October 13. The family published a mourning announcement with information about the funeral. The cause of death is not officially reported.
The farewell will take place on October 13 at 17:00 at the Givat Shaul cemetery in Jerusalem. Shiva — the traditional seven-day Jewish mourning during which relatives receive condolences — will be held at the Tamar family home at: Jerusalem, Zeev Sherf Street, 19/6.
He is survived by his wife and daughter.
From a medical school in Omsk to service in the IDF
Grigory Tamar was born in 1972 in Omsk. He graduated from medical school and in 1990 repatriated to Israel. Here he continued his professional activity in medicine, worked for many years in the field of medical diagnostics, and served in the military.
He received the rank of captain of the medical service of the Israel Defense Forces and was subsequently in reserve.
For the Israeli reader, it is important to understand that reserve service — “miluim” — remains an essential part of the country’s defense system. Reservists not only return to the army during emergencies but also retain professional experience that can be in demand for years.
Tamar combined medical knowledge, military training, and a deep interest in military history. It was this combination that later defined his public activity.
Ukraine appeared in his life long before 2022
Grigory Tamar’s connection with Ukraine did not begin with television interviews.
As early as 2015, when the war was already ongoing in eastern Ukraine, he conducted field medicine classes in Kryvyi Rih. Later, he participated in the training of Ukrainian police officers, acquainting them with Israeli methods of dealing with acute stress reactions.
It was about practical knowledge: how to act in dangerous situations, help the injured, and maintain the ability to make decisions in emergencies.
After the full-scale Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, Tamar became one of the most recognizable Israeli military commentators in the Ukrainian information space.
He regularly explained the course of hostilities, the capabilities of the Ukrainian army, the features of Russian military tactics, and the significance of Western aid. His position on Russian aggression was consistent and open.
At the same time, Tamar did not limit himself to supporting Ukraine. He insisted that Israel and Ukraine possess military and medical experience that needs to be exchanged.
Israel and Ukraine: a conversation he continued until his last days
In the last weeks of his life, Grigory Tamar continued to actively discuss the relations between the two states.
On September 21, 2026, an interview with Israeli reservist and volunteer Alex Gorelik was released on his YouTube channel. They talked about Israelis who helped Ukraine after the start of the full-scale invasion, about soldiers returning home, and about the psychological consequences of the war.
NANews dedicated a material to this conversation “The War Doesn’t End at Home”.
And on October 5, Tamar participated in a discussion with Ukrainian People’s Deputy Maksym Buzhansky in Dmytro Rozenfeld’s program. They discussed the relations between Israel and Ukraine, the role of the USA, the influence of Russia and Iran, and the possibilities of cooperation between the two countries.
Tamar paid special attention to field medicine, demining, and rescuing people from destroyed buildings. In his opinion, exchanging such experience could bring direct benefits to both countries.
NANews covered this discussion in the publication “Israel and Ukraine: Allies or Competitors?”.
NANews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency repeatedly referred to Grigory Tamar’s speeches precisely because he considered the relations between Israel and Ukraine not only through government decisions but also through the concrete experience of people who went through the war.
Not just a military analyst: books, music, and knightly Jerusalem
Grigory Tamar had another life, less known to the general public.
He was engaged in literature, music, historical excursions, and organizing cultural events. In 2003, he participated in organizing the Jerusalem Russian Rock Festival and released music albums.
In 2008, he ran for the Jerusalem City Council.
Many Israelis knew him as one of the organizers of the historical festival “Knights of Jerusalem.” Together with Denis Zlatopolsky, he worked on projects that allowed children and adults to learn about history through reconstructions, costumes, crafts, and live performances.
Together with Zlatopolsky, he wrote the novel “Knights of Jerusalem.” Among his literary works are also mentioned “Ashes to Ashes” and “Fiery Hyena.”
His YouTube channel gathered about 175 thousand subscribers. There, wars, history, politics, international relations, and the future of Israel were discussed.
A person who connected two societies
The death of Grigory Tamar was a loss for people on both sides of the Israeli-Ukrainian dialogue.
In Israel, he was known as a reserve officer, military observer, and a person who did much for the cultural life of Jerusalem. In Ukraine, as an Israeli specialist who shared practical knowledge during the war and was not afraid to openly discuss complex issues of relations between the two states.
One could disagree with all his assessments, argue with forecasts or political conclusions. But behind his public speeches stood personal experience, professional knowledge, and a conviction in the necessity of conversation.
He continued this conversation almost until the last days of his life.
Bright memory to Grigory Tamar.
The NANews editorial expresses sincere condolences to the family, friends, and everyone for whom his voice was important.