Chief Warrant Officer Hadas Branch

Mother to Rotem, Roi and Reut
Wife of Amnon
Daughter of Yosef and Ahova

Hadas and her twin sister were born to their parents Yossef and Ahuva in 1970, after three older brothers.

Hadas and her husband Amnon lived in Moshav Sde Moshe near Kiryat Gat where they raised their three children - Rotem, Roy and Reut. One of her children faught in Gaza in the Iron Swords War. Hadas generously supported her elderly parents who lived nearby.

About 28 years ago Hadas joined the Israeli police.
At first she worked in the evaluation desk of the Lachish central unit intelligence, contributing to the war against crime and criminal organizations in the area.

About 10 years ago she was transferred to an identical position in the crime fighting unit of the Yehuda district, and two years ago was entrusted with commanding the entire department.

In May of this year Hadas was awarded a certificate of distinction for her work. Her relatives say that she continued to dedicatedly fulfill her duties despite the distance, because she felt this was her calling.

Her husband Amnon recounts that Hadas was a gentle, noble woman but that alongside the quiet parts of her personality she had the confidence to act in a world of crime and danger.

Hadas's commander Superintendent Yaniv Ohana says that "Hadas integrated the war against crime and terrorism and was part of dozens of operations that began with intelligence work aiming to prevent terrorism and seize weapons". Over the last two years Hadas contributed to seizing as many as 670 weapons on their way to be smuggled to Israel.

On September 1, 2024 at the Tarkumya Crossing on Road 35, terrorists shot at the police car carrying Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Hadas Branch and two other police officers - Command Sergeant Major Ronny Shakury and Commander Arik Ben Eliyahu. Extensive forces began chasing the terrorists.

The Jewish Red Cross on-call team who arrived at the scene was forced to pronounce her dead immediately, and later Ronny and Arik, may God avenge their blood, were pronounced dead too.

Her friends and family members say that Hadas was a caring family woman, had a kind smile and pleasant demeanor, and radiated human warmth and humility.

Her son who fought in Gaza during the Iron Swords War says that before going into Gaza he received a letter from her that made it possible for him to stay strong during the war.

Her colleagues tell of a woman with a rich soul and inspiring professionalism. "Anyone who knew her in her surroundings knew she had a heart of gold and that she was sensitive and caring and always willing to help and give assistance to anyone who needed it".

Hadas was buried at the cemetery in Moshav Sde Moshe where her family still lives.