In Loving Memory of Santi
Santiago Zacarias Gonzalez Obadia Z"L
1998
" Your Radiant Light ...
2024
... our Eternal Memory!
A Life of Courage, Love, and Light.
February 27, 1998
Santi was born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1998. Son of Ruth and Sebastian's younger brother, he grew up surrounded by love, traditions, and a warm family and Jewish community that shaped his values and his deep connection to Israel.
At 18, following his brother Sebastian's footsteps, he left everything behind to fulfill his dream of making Aliyah and building his life in Israel. He served with pride, resilience and courage in the IDF’s Nahal Brigade, later continuing his commitment in the reserves.
Beyond the uniform, Santi was joy, light, and kindness. He studied Communications at Reichman University, he worked in ICL where he earned the respect and affection of everyone and built lifelong friendships.
He loved fishing at dawn, cooking for those he loved, playing soccer, traveling, and caring for his loyal dog, Chompi.
On October 7, 2023, Santi was called to war. He faced the horrors of combat with extraordinary bravery, but on November 1, 2024, his life ended too soon. Today, we remember Santi for the love he gave, for his joy and smile that will always illuminate us and for the legacy of courage he leaves behind.
Honoring Santi's Legacy.
This site was created in loving memory of Santiago Zacarias Gonzalez Obadia. He was a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend whose light continues to shine in our hearts
Santi's Journey
Venezuela : Birth to Teen Years
Santi was born in Caracas, Venezuela, on February 27, 1998. From a very young age, he had a natural gift for connecting with people: his smile could light up any room, and his kind and generous heart drew friendships that would last a lifetime.
He grew up surrounded by love, joy, and traditions, in a close-knit family and a warm Jewish community, where he learned to value friendship, solidarity, and deep connections with others.
The Teen years
February 27th. A new born
End of the Teen years
The Teen years
Venezuela : Bar Mitzvah
Santi’s Bar Mitzvah was a milestone of faith, community, and celebration. Surrounded by family and friends, he embraced his heritage with pride, marking the beginning of his journey into adulthood and his deep connection to Jewish traditions.
The meaning of the Tefilim
The meaning of the Tefilim
Bar Mitzvah Celebration. Jerusalem Hall - Hebraica Club
The meaning of the Tefilim
Venezuela: Sports & Hobbies
Santi was passionate about sports, competing in swimming, soccer, and karate as part of the Hebraica Club teams, and representing his community in the Latin American Maccabiah Games. He loved animals, thrived on adventure, and found happiness in paintball, karting, and—above all—sharing moments with his friends.
Soccer... Santi's favorite sport!
Soccer... Santi's favorite sport!
Learning to Dive
Soccer... Santi's favorite sport!
Venezuela: Family & Friends
Family and friends were central to Santi’s life. He shared a special bond with his brother Sebastián and his mother Ruth, and he treasured lifelong friendships. He always made time to create memories, support others, and spread joy.
Santi's Family
Santi new born and his brother Sebastian (1 year and 8 months years old)
Party with his friends
Santi's Family
Israel : IDF's Nahal Brigade
At eighteen, Santi followed his brother Sebastian’s footsteps and made Aliyah to Israel. He joined Ma’agan Michael, learned Hebrew, and pursued his dream of serving as a combat soldier in the IDF’s Nahal Brigade. His courage, dedication, and resilience defined his service from day one.
Nahal Training
IDF Nahal Brigade: Day 1
Proud and happy!
Nahal Training
Israel: University & Job
After completing his service, Santi studied Communications at Reichman University - Herzliya, adapting to the challenges of the COVID era. He then worked at International Cargo Logistic (ICL), for more than 3 years, where he was respected and loved by colleagues. He continued to build his life with purpose, maintaining the same joy, energy, and dedication that marked his entire journey.
The ICL Family prepared a beautiful photo album with messages to keep Santi's memory alive forever :" As long as we are remembered, we remain alive."
ICL colleagues and friends
ICL colleagues and friends
ICL's album in memory of Santi
ICL colleagues and friends
Israel: Friends around the world
Santi was more than a son, a brother, and a friend—he was a soul full of light and an unwavering heart of courage. He shone with a smile that lit up every room, with boundless Energy and contagious Joy
Santi and his best friend: Chompi.
Ruth's visits to Santi and Sebas
Santi's shinning smile!
Santi and his best friend: Chompi.
Israel: The "Iron Swords" War
On October 7, 2023, Santi was called to serve during the conflict in Gaza and the surprise attack from Hamas on Israel. True to his values and sense of mission, he answered without hesitation: “I can’t stay here knowing my brothers are out there.”
He faced the horrors of war with bravery and unwavering commitment. On November 1, 2024, Sergeant First Class Santiago Gonzalez Obadia fell while serving during the war. He left us at 26, after giving everything for the people of Israel and the land he loved.
He was laid to rest in the Military Cemetery in Kiryat Shaul, Tel Aviv.
The War October, 7, 2023
Battalion 6555 of the 5th Infantry Brigade ( The Sharon Formation)
Sergeant 1st Class Santiago Gonzalez Obadia
The War October, 7, 2023
LINKS:
Izkor - The Commemoration Site of Fallen Defense and Security Forces of Israel
Olim - Commemoration Fallen Soldiers
Testimonies, Tributes & Memories
Santi touched countless lives with his warmth, courage, and joy. Here, family, friends, and comrades can share their memories, photos, and personal tributes to honor his life and keep his memory
"Santiago was a much loved and respected person. His friends talk about his joy, his smile and his Laughter, how he created a positive atmosphere at every oportunity. His personality was present in the team and he was an integral part of it.
Throughout his service, Santiago was a fighter, observer and marksman.
His personal commanders said that he performed his duties exemplary, with uncompromising professionalism, dedication, and seriousness. He made sure to unnderstand the logic behind the missions, identify gaps and ask his commanders questions so that the missions would be carried out in the best possible way. Thanks to this quality, his commanders trusted and placed their trust on him.
Santiago enlisted in the mission to defend the State of Israel. He fought with determination and ferocity... "
Tal Kuritski
Sharon Division Commander
Israel Defense Forces
“His commanders testify that Santiago was a determined, skilled, and professional fighter who greatly enjoyed operational activities. Thanks to his abilities, he was chosen for the position of marksman in the company’s vanguard team, and he was deeply loved and appreciated by both his commanders and his comrades. When the ‘Iron Swords’ War broke out, Santiago was called to the reserves and acted with the same courage he had shown throughout all his years of service, during which he contributed with dedication to the security of the people and the country.
“Santiago’s image will illuminate your path, as well as that of his commanders and comrades, and his memory will remain forever cherished in our hearts.”
Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi
Chief of the General Staff
Israel Defense Forces
"Santiago arrived in Israel from Venezuela with a deep sense of mission and a brave heart...
...he chose to stand and defend the Jewish people, embodying the true spirit of sacrifice.
Santiago left behind a legacy of courage, commitment and love of Israel.
His memory will be blessed forever - among his family, friends, fellow IDF members and the entire Jewish people"
Reichman University
Herzliya - Israel
Monument to fallen soldiers, students and graduates of the Reichman University
“We mourn your passing and remember you with great love, as a kind, joyful, and enthusiastic young man, with a beautiful and mischievous smile that could light up any place, and above all, as a noble soul with an enormous and generous heart.
Reading the words your friends have written about you, all of them honor you: ‘A great friend, a friend to everyone, kind, noble.’ I agree with each one of them, and it brings back countless memories of the many moments they shared with you. You were a positive and joyful influence on your friends and companions, who will always remember you, because friendship is one of life’s most precious gifts, and a true friend is the greatest treasure of all. You, Santiago, were and will always be a treasure to all of us.
You leave us with an immense emptiness in our hearts, but we will always remember you with love and honor your memory.
You are a hero, Santi—our hero. Thank you for everything.
Thank you for carrying the name of our beloved school with pride and for defending the State of Israel and its citizens with such courage, bravery, and profound love.
Blessed be your memory. Rest in peace.”
Mora Myriam Obermeister
Patroness of the graduating class
Moral y Luces Herzl-Bialik School
Caracas- Venezuela
"A child's smile and kind eyes.
Your warm smile and kind eyes were genuine, accompanying and illuminating you the entire time you were with us.
They say the eyes are the window to the soul—and indeed, we quickly discovered what a soulful and generous person you are.
Santi, you are deeply loved and appreciated by your managers, your colleagues in the department, the clients you worked with, and everyone who had the pleasure of getting to know you in the ICL Family...
...a Hero with a bright smile and kind eyes"
Ricky Isenberg
VP of Marketing and Human Resources
ICL
Intelligent Logistic
" With the smile that is always in your face ...
Thank you for the man you were, for your great contribution and the memory of your smile"
Meital Levitt
ICL
Intelligent Logistic
"Our acquaintance began when I was looking for a spanish speaker to talk to a Spanish Agent who couldn't communicate in English; and you jumped in to help, with a smile on your face and high motivation - as if it were your project.
Throughout the short years that I was privileged to know you, I got to know a pleasant, intelligent, humble and beloved young man by all....
... The world will miss you very much.
You left a mark on me that will never be erased.
May your memory be blessed, friend. "
Aviram Kaufman
ICL Israel
"As long as we are remembered, we remain alive."
ICL
Intelligent Logistic
🌿 Share Your Memory of Santi
We want this space to be a living place of love and remembrance.
If you have a photo, a message, an anecdote, or a special memory of Santi, you are welcome to share it here.
Your contribution will be received with love and, with your permission, we will add it to this page so his memory continues to shine among us.