Sgt. 1st Class Meron-Moshe Gersh, z"l

Sergeant First Class Meron-Moshe Gersh, the only son of Dina and Alan and the partner of Ayala, was born and raised in Petah Tikva. He was a kind-hearted boy who won the hearts of everyone around him. He studied at the state religious school, "Kfar Ganim," and later attended the "Bnei Akiva" high school yeshiva. At the age of 14, Meron began volunteering with the Petah Tikva Fire Department. Later, he also became a youth counselor in the Fire Scouts. He once recalled his acceptance interview: “I said, ‘The title doesn’t matter to me. I’m a Fire Scout. I want to give of myself to you and to others.’” For four years, until his enlistment, Meron was part of the firefighting family and was considered a beloved, hardworking, talented, and humble volunteer.

Meron loved sports. He played soccer and competed in triathlons. He strove for excellence in everything he did and never let himself give up. “There’s no such thing as ‘I can’t.’ Change your mindset and you’ll achieve your goal,” he used to say. He was a young man of values, determination, and joy, with great inner strength and willpower. He loved to hike across Israel and to spend time with friends. A true friend, he was always ready to lend a hand. “Whatever is needed, and beyond the horizon,” he would answer anyone who asked for his assistance.

In April 2021, Meron enlisted in the IDF. He fought to raise his medical profile. Although he was an only child, he insisted on joining a special unit. “Why should I be punished when I want to contribute like everyone else, just because I’m an only child?” he said. Meron joined the Combat Engineering Corps in the Yahalom Unit. He completed basic training with honors and became an exemplary soldier – professional, respected, and beloved by both his friends and commanders. He planned to sign on for career service in Yahalom as a project officer in underground warfare.

During his military service, Meron lived at Beit Benji, a home for lone soldiers in Ra’anana. There he met Ayala, and their love blossomed. Shortly before he fell, Meron left Ayala a message telling her he loved her and wanted to marry her.

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. Meron was rushed with his comrades to the Erez crossing, where they fought a heroic battle and saved lives. Following the attack, Israel entered into war. Throughout the fighting, Meron participated in numerous complex operations, demonstrating dedication, determination, courage, creativity, and professionalism.

On January 2, 2024, Meron fell in battle in the northern Gaza Strip. He was 21 years old. Miron was laid to rest in the military cemetery of Petah Tikva. At his funeral, his father said, “Usually, the young son looks up to his father with admiration, but I admired you.”

May his memory be blessed.