IDF Names Soldier Who Fell In Battle In Northern Gaza

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The IDF released for publication Wednesday morning the name of a soldier who fell in battle in the northern Gaza strip.

Sergeant first-class Meron Moshe Gersh (21), an only child from Petach Tikva, was a member of the Yahalam combat engineering unit. He will be buried in the military section of Segula cemetery at 3 PM.

“As an only child, he didn’t have to go to a combat unit but that was what he wanted,” says a friend. “He had just enlisted as a career officer in a role which he saw himself doing for many years. He knew what he was doing and what had to be done and was always willing to take upon himself tasks.”

“He really liked sport. He did the triathlon, loved running and playing basketball. He always helped others before worrying about himself and was very optimistic.

Gersh volunteered at the local fire station, which eulogized him, stating that “We are pained by his passing. He grew up here, served as a fire observer and continued volunteering until his IDF conscription. He was known and loved at the station.”

Gersh’s girlfriend Penina described him as “an amazing boy/man, driven and goal-oriented, never tired. You hoped to return to the fire station after army service. You drove yourself hard in order to reach a crack unit, you wanted to live a life of meaning. My heart just lost yet another piece, dear friend.”