Son of Yehoshua and Hannah; Grandson of the old guard, Mr. Avraham Shapira. He was born in Petah Tikva on February 9, 1935. After graduating from high school, Gila was drawn to literature and art and was drafted into the Israel Air Force in July 1953. He fell in the line of duty on the 12th of Tishrei 5769 (28.9.1955) and was brought to eternal rest in the cemetery in Petah Tikva.