Bendel, Gil

Son of Bruria and Rami, he was born on June 9, 1963 in Tel Aviv. Gil studied at Masada Elementary School in Givatayim and at the Ironi Aleph High School in Tel Aviv. Gil was a sports-loving boy. He played soccer, basketball and tennis. He also played the piano. In high school, Gil studied biology. He stood out in class at social events, and according to the teacher “was among those who carried the event on their shoulders”. When Gil enlisted in the IDF, he was assigned to an artillery unit, where he completed several courses and served in the army for about nine months, and was a candidate for an artillery officers’ course. He participated in an exchange of fire with a group of terrorists on July 11, 1982. He died of his wounds on 29 Tamuz, July 20, 1982. He was 19 years old when he died, and in a letter sent by Defense Minister Ariel Sharon to the Gil family, he said: “He proved talent and a strong desire to move forward. Was a candidate for command courses, and was promoted after his fall.” He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Kiryat Shaul, and was survived by his parents, brother and sister.