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Woodland Hills Native 1 Of 13 Israeli Soldiers Killed In Combat Sunday

WOODLAND HILLS (CBSLA.com)   —  A local family is grieving the loss of a son and brother.

Max Steinberg, 24, a Woodland Hills native was one of 13 Israeli soldiers killed Sunday in combat.

Steinberg's family said their son graduated from El Camino Real High School in 2008.

After graduation, he attended Pierce College.

Steinberg decided to join the Israeli Army after a birthright trip visit two years ago.

The thirteen soldiers were killed in three separate incidents that spanned more than eight hours in the Gaza Strip, authorities said.

Steinberg's mother told CBS2 and KCAL9 that his friends were planning on holding a memorial service in his honor Sunday evening at Lazy J. Ranch Park in West Hills.

CBS2's Brittney Hopper attended the memorial -- among hundreds -- and spoke to friends and family.

"Max made a decision and we supported him," said mother Evie Steinberg, "it's what he wanted to do."

"He knew the ricks, we knew he knew the risks," said Max's brother Jake. "And that's what families do. They support their children, their brother. We were definitely scared. It was worth it to him, so it was worth it to us."

Steinberg's family is traveling to Israel Monday morning for his burial.

 

 

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