Master Sgt. (res.) Gil Daniels, a 34-year-old Israeli soldier of Indian origin, tragically lost his life during the recent conflict in the Gaza Strip. The unfortunate incident occurred during the fighting, leading to his demise. The community members reported that Gil, who hailed from Ashdod, was laid to rest in his hometown with a funeral ceremony held on Wednesday.
The Israel Defence Forces officially acknowledged Gil's death, confirming that he was one of the soldiers who lost their lives in the Gaza Strip conflict. The Indian Jewish Heritage Centre expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting the sacrifices made by Israeli soldiers in the intense and challenging war.
In their statement, the Indian Jewish Heritage Centre mentioned that Israel had lost many soldiers who courageously fought in the war, describing them as the finest sons and daughters standing up for the honor of the nation. The specific mention of Master Sgt. (Res.) Gil Daniels, aged 34, son of Yoel and Mazal, reflected the solemnity of the occasion.
According to the Indian Jewish Heritage Centre, Gil had voluntarily joined the reserves on October 10, shortly after the war began. The center paid tribute to his memory, stating, "May his memory be blessed." They also shared additional details about Gil, mentioning that he pursued his Masters at the School of Pharmacy at Hebrew University, describing him as a genius with a vibrant personality. Tragically, Gil had recently gotten engaged, making his passing a profound loss for those who knew him.
A member of the Bene Israel community, with roots in the Maharashtra region of India, Gil had attended Makif Gimel High School as part of the class of 2007. His classmates expressed deep sorrow, remembering his smile, and shared their condolences, adding a personal touch to the collective grief.
The larger context of the conflict was noted, with reports indicating that a considerable number of Israeli soldiers, 86 in total, had lost their lives in the fighting since the Israel Defence Forces launched their ground operation in Gaza. Among them, at least four soldiers of Indian origin, including Gil Daniels, have been identified, underscoring the global impact of the conflict and the personal losses suffered by diverse communities within Israel.
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