Yotel, Gil

Son of Tzippora and Abraham, was born on February 5, 1958, in Kiryat Shmona. When he was three years old, his family moved to Kiryat Tivon. Gil studied at the “Narcissim” Elementary School in Kiryat Tivon, and continued to study at the “Sammat” school in Haifa, where he continued to specialize in mechanical engineering as part of the technological reserve. He graduated from the Faculty of Education in Tel Aviv and was a member of the “Hatzofim” movement, Afterward, he joined the seafarers, who aspired to serve in the naval commando unit. Gil was always drafted for the IDF in May 1978, and due to a visual impairment he was not stationed in the navy, but in the IAF, in a helicopter garage. There they discovered his skills and diligence. He took a course in heavy helicopter mechanics, and in November 1979 he rose to the rank of sergeant. A year later, Gil was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and he was awarded a certificate of excellence in an air holding unit, and his unit commander expressed his opinion: “Gil is a very quiet and dedicated soldier. Performs his work in an efficient and dignified manner. He was recommended as an outstanding soldier. I appreciated the soldier for his initiative, his ability and his functioning. “In April 1981, Gil completed his regular service, fulfilling his obligations from the period of his studies, and began serving for another year in the career army, where he was first diagnosed with the disease. He underwent surgery and very difficult treatments, but he also maintained his peace of mind, hoping that he would recover and return to his role in the IDF. His friends and commanders accompanied him throughout the months on his deathbed. They visited him frequently, and were impressed by his calm and good humor. In appreciation of his work during the period when he was healthy, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant on November 1, 1982. On the 30th of Kislev 5743 (November 30, 1982), he died at the age of 24. He was laid to rest In the military section of the cemetery in Kiryat Tivon, he left behind his parents and brother.