Jackman, Gabriel (Gaby)

Son of Rachel and Juan, was born on July 22, 1964 in Argentina. He began his elementary school at the school in Cordoba, his hometown. At age 11 he immigrated to Israel with his parents and sister. The family settled in Tel Aviv and Gabi completed his studies at the Ironi Dalet and Ort Singalovski High School. At the age of 17, he asked to be drafted early in order to serve in a combat unit whose training program was to begin before his official enlistment. At the suggestion of the draft officers, he enlisted in May 1982, when he was drafted, and was assigned to the infantry. After basic training, Gabi was discovered as a model soldier. His commanders viewed him as an asset to the unit, because despite his shyness he always encouraged his friends and encouraged them to a high level of female soldiers. He was sent to the APC course, received a platoon commander’s training course, was promoted to Corporal, and shortly thereafter was awarded the rank of sergeant, and his subordinates note that even when he wanted to punish a rebellious soldier he would sit with him, Gabi demonstrated with his unit in the port of Sidon in Lebanon, and on March 4, 1984, the ship’s dock was operated with a cargo – a side that hit IDF soldiers. Gabi felt with his unit to help the wounded. At the same time another bomb exploded in the port, causing Gabi’s mortal injury. He went to the hospital and for a week struggled for his life. Dozens of his friends and family did not leave his bed. On the 8th of Adar 2, 5743 (11.3.1984) Gabi died of his wounds and he is 19. After his death he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Gabi was laid to rest in the Kiryat Shaul cemetery. Survived by his parents and sister. Defense Minister Moshe Arens wrote to his parents: “Staff Sergeant Gabriel Jackman gave his life for his homeland. He was an excellent soldier and an admired commander. “His friends said they would remember forever” the fair hair and blue eyes that do not give rest to the aching soul “