An officer in the IDF's armored corps, Barak was born in Arad and graduated from ORT High School in the city. His girlfriend of the last two years, Orit Gino, told of how she recently moved to Arad in order to spend time with Barak during his furloughs. At the gravesite, speaking to Barak, as if he were still with her, she recalled a conversation between them during a vacation to Eilat, in which he told her, "We are soulmates and soulmates never part. We are like one person." She told him that even though she had a hard time with the army, she would support his decision to stay on to be an officer after his three years of service ended. They had spoken of their dreams for the future, the home they wanted to have together and the children they hoped to raise together.

Hanan's father David related: "In school, he was a regular student, nothing special. But he came into his own in the army, where he excelled and emerged as a leader." In addition to his success as a soldier, Hanan was an artist who drew pictures, particularly portraits, said his brother Yishai. "But he was pragmatic, so he was considering going into architecture after the army," he added. Among the many memories that flooded his mind after hearing of his brother's death was the way his brother had bonded with him, supporting him through a serious illness six years ago, when his brother was only 15. "I knew my hair was going to fall out, so I decided to shave it off. In solidarity with me, Hanan shaved his off as well," recalled Yishai.

Lt. Hanan Barak was buried in Arad. He is survived by his parents, David and Nela, his brother Yishai, and older sister.