IDF Lt. Col. (res). Ido Frommer was killed in a civilian parachuting accident on Wednesday, the military announced on Thursday.
His family has been notified, and the IDF has extended its heartfelt condolences and offered support during this difficult time.
Frommer, 55, retired from the IAF in 2013 after 25 years of service. Throughout his military career, he held various roles in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) field and also commanded the UAV operator training school.
In recent years, Frommer was the CEO and co-founder of Draizer, a company specializing in drones. He managed technological and economic development in Yeruham until the end of 2023. From 2018 to 2021, he led the city’s education department.
Head of the Yeruham Regional Council, Niv Aaron, shared her tribute on Facebook. "Yesterday I received the sad news in a phone call from the head of the neighboring Ramat Negev council: Ido Frommer, our dear resident, was killed in a parachuting accident," said Aaron.
"These are moments in this job that I will never get used to," she added. "Even though it’s very clear what needs to be done, one can’t help but think of the family and the wide circle of friends in the community who, in a short time, will know that a dear person to them is no longer alive."
Aaron also spoke about Frommer's strong connection to Yeruham, where he chose to live and contribute. He managed the Science Center, the Education Department, and the UAV sector. "He contributed to Yeruham's development and was an active resident, even beyond his professional roles," she said.
"Milka, Avichai, Yaniv, Ohad, Yonatan, our hearts are with you in these difficult moments," said Aaron in a message to the family. "May you find comfort from Heaven. May his memory be a blessing."
'A determined leader': MK offers his condolences
Blue and White party MK Michael Biton also paid tribute to Frommer. "Frommer, our friend, was killed yesterday in a paramotor accident on the cliffs of the Yeruham crater that he loved so much," said Biton. Ido and Milka came to Yeruham after Ido’s long service in the Air Force and made it their home. They fell in love with Yeruham, and Yeruham was blessed to have them and their children."
Biton also honored Frommer's impact in Yeruham, where he led several initiatives: "As a mathematics and robotics teacher, and shortly afterward, he took on managing the Science Center, where he initiated groundbreaking projects, like building a real airplane with the youth of Yeruham, or constructing a mini satellite that was sent into space through international cooperation."
Biton further mentioned their collaboration within the military. "I, as a minister, and he, as a determined leader, succeeded in establishing for the first time in the IDF a program called ‘Lahavim,’ aimed at encouraging and training drone operator soldiers," he said. "Frommer didn’t give up, and fought to ensure that graduates of robotics, drones, and the Science Center would reach the highest levels in the IDF."