Major David Shapira, an IDF officer who put an end to the deadly terror attack by a Palestinian gunman at the Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva on March 6th, 2008, is due to receive an honorary citation today, October 20th, 2009 by the outgoing CO of the Central Command, Major General Gadi Shamni. Eight yeshiva students were murdered and nine were injured in the terror attack.

Brigadier General Egai Yehezkel, head of the committee in charge of awarding the citation, stated that Major Shapira demonstrated bravery, determination and professionalism in the actions he took against the gunman. 

Major Shapira is currently partaking in academic studies and beforehand he was a Company commander in the Paratroopers Brigade.