Master Sgt. Gideon Chay DeRowe, z”l

Master Sergeant (Res.) Gideon Chay DeRowe, the son of Yael and Ari, brother to Yasmin and Yair, husband of Gabi (Gabriella), and father of Talia-Sophie, who was born after he fell, was born in Tel Aviv during the Gulf War. He was the grandson of Palmach fighters and Holocaust survivors. He grew up in Sal’it and was a lively, intelligent, and funny child and teenager, who loved sports, especially basketball and tennis, and was loved by all. Gideon had a captivating personality. He was a people person, knowledgeable and a great conversationalist, a dreamer and an achiever. Before his enlistment, motivated by a desire to contribute, he volunteered for a year of premilitary service at the Negev Leadership Preparatory Program.

In August 2010, Gideon enlisted in the EOD of the Yahalom Unit. He was considered a valued fighter – professional, responsible, and level-headed – who also trained recruits. He combined wisdom and sensitivity, seriousness and humor. He was a giving person, an altruist, and an idealist who loved the land, enjoyed hiking in nature, and was a devoted reader.

At the end of his military service, after traveling the world, Gideon joined the “Asher Ruach Bo” preparatory program in Mitzpe Ramon as an instructor to prepare at-risk youth for enlistment into combat units. Following his work there, he decided to study law. He later earned a master’s degree in diplomacy and security, which he completed with honors. He returned to instruct at the preparatory program and became known as a legendary instructor, admired and loved, a remarkable person who left his mark on many.

During his studies, Gideon met his beloved Gabi, who came from the Netherlands as part of a student exchange program. The two fell in love and eventually married.

Gideon had a bright future ahead of him. He was a promising lawyer and was eagerly awaiting the birth of his first daughter.

On October 7, 2023, the holiday of Simchat Torah 5784, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack on Israel. Under the cover of barrages of thousands of rockets, thousands of armed terrorists crossed the border into Israel, infiltrating cities and taking control of communities, outposts, and bases. The terrorists murdered around eight hundred civilians and abducted hundreds of Israelis to the Gaza Strip. Hundreds of security personnel fell in battle. Following the attack, Israel entered a state of war. Gideon was called up for reserve duty at the start of the attack. Initially, he fought alongside his unit in Kibbutz Be’eri. He wrote to his family: “We will be in every mission, at any time and place they ask of us, all for the sake of saving lives.” Gideon participated in numerous operations with determination and devotion. Before his third round of reserve duty, he was visiting family in the Netherlands and returned to Israel to enlist.

On May 22, 2024, Gideon fell in battle in the northern Gaza Strip. He was 33 years old. He was laid to rest in the Sal’it cemetery. His team members eulogized him: “Gidi is one of those people thanks to whom this country still stands.” Six months after he fell, his first daughter was born.

May his memory be blessed.