Givat Kobi (Kobi Hill)

Background on the Four Memorial

The Four Memorial (Sderot Lookout) is located on Kobi Hill, a new commemorative site established in honor of Lt. Col. Dolev Keidar, Master Sgt. Maj. Dani Kassahun Bainsain, Staff Sgt. (Res.) Nadav Goldmacher, and 2nd Lt. Yuval Heiman. They fell on July 21, 2014, during Operation "Protective Edge," in a battle against terrorists who emerged from a tunnel approximately 700 meters from this location. The attack aimed to execute mass-casualty terror strikes in Sderot and Kibbutz Nir Am. The memorial was inaugurated in early February 2022.

How Was the Memorial Built?

The construction of the Four Memorial took five years, during which the lookout and the memorial were developed. The design represents the bravery of the fallen soldiers and the resilience of Sderot residents who have withstood terrorism for many years.
The memorial combines concrete and steel, two strong materials that complement each other in their chemical properties—symbolizing the courage of the soldiers and the steadfastness of the residents.
The structure is built on a wavy surface, resembling the sands where the battle took place and reflecting the uncertainty that prevailed before the attack regarding the identification of the assailants.
The memorial features tire tracks from the jeep used by the four soldiers etched into the surface and leading to doors that symbolize the jeep’s doors. Inscribed on the doors are the names of the fallen soldiers.
The doors, designed to mirror the jeep’s, remain open to signify the moment the four soldiers leapt into battle—a battle from which they did not return.
Behind the doors is a concrete platform suspended over a precipice, symbolizing the journey of the soldiers—a path of no return on one hand, yet one that continues eternally through their commemoration.
Looking through the gap between the open doors or the window, visitors can see the actual battle site, creating a geographical connection between Kobi Hill and the events that occurred nearby.

Kobi Hill: A Unique Viewpoint

Kobi Hill is named after Kobi Harush, a local Security Coordinator (Ravshatz) and resident of Sderot. Harush frequently leads groups of visitors, soldiers, and diplomats to the hill, offering them a close view of the border area.

This hill is one of the highest points in the region. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the city of Ashkelon to the northwest, Ashdod to the north, and Sderot and Kiryat Gat to the east. To the southwest, one can see Gaza City and "Golani Hill," also known as "Hill of Love" or "Yanchik Hill," with its prominent horse sculpture.

Until recently, the path to the hill was accessible only via a dirt road for hikers or off-road vehicles. The hill has always been a popular destination for those seeking a scenic vantage point with fresh air. During times of conflict, it became a gathering place for visitors from across Israel to witness rocket launches into Israeli territory and the IDF’s retaliatory strikes.

Preserving Memory

Beyond the basic fact that these soldiers died defending the residents of Sderot and Nir Am, the memorial’s concrete edges feature a detailed account of the battle. The descriptions were reconstructed step-by-step based on IDF investigations, a painstaking and emotional process.

The memorial and its surroundings are meticulously maintained by the Municipality of Sderot, ensuring its cleanliness and preservation. Architects Yaakov Cohen and Sigal Ben-Shmuel designed the memorial, while sculptor Ophir Geller and his wife Danit, owners of "Hofim," completed the finishing touches. Their work brought the memorial to life, with transportation and assembly completed by August 2021.

Landscape architect Naama Eshel Tsuberi also contributed to the project, ensuring the design harmonizes with the natural surroundings.

The Four Memorial was funded through donations from the families of the fallen and other generous individuals. The largest donation came from an anonymous Jewish philanthropist from abroad who wished to remain unnamed.

Directions to the Memorial

To visit, enter "Sderot Lookout – Four Memorial" in Waze.

The memorial is located near Route 34 in the city of Sderot. Follow these directions:

• Take the first two roundabouts straight.
• At the third roundabout, turn right at the first exit to Rabbi Yoram Abergel Street.
• At the next roundabout, turn left onto Derech HaAliya Street.
• Continue straight through several roundabouts.
• At the final roundabout, turn right.

The memorial is a few dozen meters ahead on the left-hand side.