Shmul, Meir

Son of Alice and Joseph, was born on May 17, 1965 in Ashkelon. The youngest son was Meir in his family. His parents moved to Kiryat Gat where he studied. Meir attended the “Masua” religious high school and the ORT vocational high school, in the electricity track. He was a strong, well-stoned fellow, and his youth was a good sport. Meir participated in the school competitions, and was careful to nurture his physical skills. He loved music and played guitar. Meir was diligent and self-disciplined. When he was 8 years old, he began to write a diary, and continued with it when he was in high school. In his diary, he recounted his experiences and reflections. When he was about to enlist in the IDF, Meir read books of war and heroism, and continued his practice in order to maintain his physical fitness for his army service. In February 1984, Meir enlisted and volunteered to serve in the Paratroopers Brigade. He took a parachuting course, a course for armored personnel carriers and other courses, and before he went to the front in Lebanon, he was a candidate for a squad commanders’ course. On the night of the 17th of Shevat 5785 (February 8, 1985), Meir was appointed to defend a position. He heard a stone strike on the roof and went out to check on what was going on around him, and was mistakenly shot by one of our soldiers. Meir was critically wounded, was taken by helicopter to a hospital and died of his wounds. He was 19 years old when he died. His family told him: “Meyer was gifted with the desire to contribute to the family, his friends and the state, and it was natural for him that he volunteered for the paratroopers. Meir was laid to rest at the Kiryat Gat military cemetery. He left behind his parents and six brothers and sisters