My Win: Father Gives Diamond Rings to 86 Couples

(IDEX Online) - A jewelry manufacturer is donating diamond engagement rings to Israeli soldiers, after his son was murdered by Hamas on 7 October.

Alon Mesika is offering a free gold 0.50-cts ring to anyone serving in the IDF (Israel  Defense Forces) who's planning to propose.

His son Adir, 23, and many of his friends were killed at the Nova music festival. Adir died as he fought to protect his girlfriend, who survived.

In the wake of the attack there were many marriages at army bases - 300,000 reservists were called up - and Alon posted a Facebook message offering a ring to the first soldier who proposed.

His first response came within six minutes and he just kept on giving. His tally so far for the Adir's Diamond project is 86.

"Adir is not going to build a home in Israel, but because of him a lot of people will. This is my win," he told Tablet magazine. "The best, best, best part is to get a hug from the soldiers."

Pics show Alon with a diamond ring and his late son Adir.