Dahan, Meir-Shimon

Son of Tamar and Moshe, he was born on September 2, 1961 in Kiryat Gat. Meir attended Masua Elementary School in Kiryat Gat. After completing eight grades, he moved to the ORT vocational school and studied for three years in the automotive mechanics course. In July 1979, Meir enlisted in the IDF, underwent general training, and completed a professional course in automotive mechanics. In the same month, the Lubavitcher Rebbe gave him a prize for his spirit of volunteerism – a trip to the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s court in New York for a month during Rosh Hashana and Sukkot. His commanders allowed his departure. When he returned to Israel, Meir continued his role in car maintenance. In November 1981 he was promoted to sergeant. On 13 Av, August 1, 1982, while on vacation at home, Meir was killed in a car accident near Moshav Amatzia in the Lachish region. He was 21 years old when he died. Meir was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Kiryat Gat. He left behind his parents and three sisters. The commander of his unit wrote in a letter of condolence to his family: “Meir was one of the veteran soldiers in the unit and was an exemplary example in his devotion to his fellow soldiers and completed his studies with honors. The assessment of the military elements that he represented with honor … Meir’s image and way will accompany us and serve as a candle, and then we will carry out our duties.”