Gerstein, Alina

Daughter Betty and Leonid, was born on April 20, 1978 in the Soviet Union of Belarus, a sister to Alex. Alina immigrated to Israel with her family in November 1989. The family settled in Ashdod, and Elina attended the Ilanot Elementary School and the Comprehensive High School in the Department of Management. Alina was well absorbed in Israel and quickly acquired the Hebrew language thanks to her rare talent for languages. Alina was a very friendly girl and accepted by her many friends, who were affectionately referred to as “Elin”, “Elinush” and “Ela”. She was very attached to her family and especially to her younger brother, Alex, who always cared for him and felt responsible for him. Alena was a girl full of energy and joy, and the smile never left her lips even in difficult moments. She loved to hang out, dance and sing, played the piano well and loved music of all kinds. Film, literature and art were also among her hobbies. Elina enlisted in the IDF in November 1996, and after completing her basic training, she began her service as a clerk in the Etzion Brigade of the Central Command, first serving in the Israel Defense Forces and later in the quartermaster position, enabling her to express her exceptional control over the computer. Alina was a responsible soldier who performed her duties in the best possible way, demonstrating endless dedication and became a central figure in the unit socially. She stood out in her willingness to help those around her at all times and helped new soldiers who came to the unit to integrate into society. In addition, she used to bring home female soldiers on weekends who had personal problems and helped them solve their problems. Alina fell during her duties on December 21, 1997, at the age of nineteen. Even in her death she continued to help others, and her organs were planted in nine people, whose lives were saved thanks to her. After her fall she was promoted to sergeant. Alina left behind her parents and brother. She was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Ashdod.