Staff Sgt. Gal Bason, z”l

Staff Sergeant Gal Bason was born and raised in Holon, the son of Pnina and Eliyahu, younger brother of Ben, and older brother of Linoy. A handsome, mischievous, smiling, and opinionated child, from a young age, he was always running and climbing. Gal studied at Ben Zvi Elementary School in Holon and at Zalman Aran Junior High School. In high school, he studied at the Kiryat Sharet Campus and graduated with honors in the athletics track. It was there that he also met his girlfriend and great love, Almog, and the two became inseparable.

Gal loved sports, participated in sports clubs including judo and capoeira, and played on the children’s and youth teams of Hapoel Holon. He also loved music, especially songs by Eviatar Banai, Meir Ariel, Dudu Tassa, Idan Haviv, and Idan Raichel. He taught himself to play guitar and played at every opportunity.

Family was important to Gal. He enjoyed family meals and outings, was close to his parents, his brother, and his younger sister, and devoted time and attention to them. His childhood heroes were the fighters Meir Har Zion and Emmanuel Moreno. A principled young man and a nature lover, he traveled throughout Israel and even hiked part of the Israel National Trail. His dream was to travel with his girlfriend in Israel and abroad.

Gal was a person who gave to others. Before enlisting, he volunteered with the Etgarim Association, assisting children with disabilities. His leadership skills, tolerance, and attentiveness were evident from a young age. While in high school, he even participated in a delegation of Israeli and Palestinian youth to Germany to promote coexistence between the peoples.

In March 2013, Gal enlisted in the IDF's Yahalom Unit. Although he could have served as an outstanding athlete, he insisted on doing significant combat service. He underwent rigorous training in the Samur Unit, responsible for dealing with tunnels, and was highly valued and greatly loved by his team. Gal was injured twice during the course, but was determined to complete it.

In July 2014, the State of Israel launched Operation Protective Edge against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Gal understood the importance of the mission well. His teammates recount that he told them, “Suddenly, I realize this is real.” He fought to enter the Gaza Strip with his friends despite being sick. On his last mission, Gal volunteered along with two other fighters to open a route in the Beit Hanoun area. Seconds after the force took position, an anti-tank missile was fired at them.

On July 25, 2014, Gal fell in battle during Operation Protective Edge, one day before he was to receive his combat pin. He was 21 years old. He was laid to rest in the Holon Military Cemetery. His motto was engraved on his tombstone: “Those who breathe the dust of the roads will earn the air of the summits.” In the Iron Swords War, Gal’s teammates returned to the place where he fell and raised Gal’s flag, bearing his portrait.

May his memory be blessed.