Family of ‘Lt. Col. M.’ open a center in Isfiya to invest in Druze youth in his memory

"Mahmoud was not only an extraordinary officer and commander; he was deeply dedicated to education, leadership, and empowering youth,” Khairaldeen’s brother Mamduch told The Jerusalem Post.

To his family, Lt. Col. Mahmoud Khairaldeen was a gentle man who always had time to listen, offer advice, and help those around him. To the Israeli public, he was known only as “Lt. Col. M.” Eight years after he was killed during a covert operation in the Gaza Strip, the man behind the initials is finally being remembered for more than the secrecy that surrounded his life and death: for the quiet devotion he showed to his family, his community and the country he served.

A center in Isfiya was opened in his memory to support young entrepreneurs in starting their own businesses, marking a major first for Israel’s Druze community. The center honors not only the sacrifices made by Khairaldeen, but also the extensive work he did to help young Druze gain admission to the military boarding school he once attended.

Khairaldeen had a long military career in the Paratroopers Brigade and later in Military Intelligence’s Special Operations Division. However, his commitment to his community extended well beyond his military service. In 2009, he established a nonprofit to support young members of his community, and partnered with Aharai!, a program designed to help teenagers build the resilience and skills needed to succeed in the military once they turn 18.

“He had a gentle smile that was truly defining, and even today that smile continues to guide our steps, even giving us strength, purpose, and comfort in everything we do. Mahmoud was not only an extraordinary officer and commander; he was deeply dedicated to education, leadership, and empowering youth,” Khairaldeen’s brother Mamduch told The Jerusalem Post. “We believe in quiet leadership, leading through actions, building bridges between communities, and ensuring that the next generation has every opportunity to realize their full potential. For us, honoring his memory means carrying forward what he lived by, investing in people, driving positive social change.”

Lieutenant M foundation facilitates community support

With the generous support of Prof. Meriam Adelson, the center opened an “accelerator” only weeks ago to help advance young Druze in the high-tech industry.

Mamduch explained that his family first opened the Lieutenant M Foundation to carry on Khairaldeen’s memory. They are now working on several projects, including a commemoration and heritage center with an educational space designed to share Khairaldeen’s story, values and devotion to Israel, as well as a community and parenting support center focused on empowering parents with the tools they need to nurture their children’s development.

Mamduch said the foundation was working in close partnership with the Association for the Advancement of the Druze Soldier, also known as the Druze Veterans Association, a nonprofit founded by Koftan Halabi to support and empower IDF Druze soldiers and veterans in Israel.

“Koftan Halabi chose to dedicate this inspiring venture to the memory of my brother Mahmoud. We, as his family, deeply appreciate this meaningful tribute and are proud to partner with the foundation and support this innovation,” Mamduch said. “It truly reflects everything Mahmoud stood for: empowering the next generation and opening doors for young talent by connecting peripheral communities directly to Israel’s high-tech ecosystem and providing young entrepreneurs with mentorship and professional tools. This innovation turns military leadership and resilience into real-world innovation.”