WATCH: IDF Lone Soldier’s Sudden Death Draws Thousands of Mourners

Family, friends and Israelis attend the funeral of former lone soldier Jordan Cooper, who passed away suddenly from allergic reaction, at the cemetery in Rishon Lezion, August 13, 2024. Jordan Cooper arrived after October 7 massacre to join his reserve unit in the Gaza Strip, he served more than 200 days. (Photo by Flash90) (Photo by Flash90)

Thousands gathered Tuesday evening for the funeral of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reservist Jordan Cooper, a lone soldier originally from the United States, who tragically died following a rare allergic reaction.

Cooper’s family had urged the public to attend in light of many relatives being unable to reach Israel due to widespread flight cancellations from the U.S., amid escalating tensions with Iran.

The Ganei Esther Cemetery in Rishon Lezion was packed as mourners filled every space. The funeral, held at 10 p.m., took place just two hours after the conclusion of the Tisha B’Av fast, a solemn day in the Jewish calendar.

Some more footage I took at the funeral of lone IDF soldier Jordan Cooper. Over 1000 beautiful random Israelis came to his funeral as he had no family here.

You can hear in the last 2 videos everyone reciting some prayers together

This is Israel, this is what we do. https://t.co/sSnzAX6BTK pic.twitter.com/KBVtW7F6ov

— Documenting Israel (@DocumentIsrael) August 13, 2024