sergeant gilad balchason
Gilad was an athlete at heart - he particularly loved to play basketball, and was known for his attention to fitness, running and weights as well. An avid reader, he was also committed to communal matters and was nicknamed “Superman” for his ability to do be involved in so much. Gilad's friends tell of the wonderful combination that was Gilad - a combat officer who was a rare sensitive guy. He wouldn’t tolerate sloppiness or “cutting corner” but his sensitivity balanced the expectations. He summed himself up in an interview about a year before he died. "Since I and my brothers were little, our parents taught us to love the country. My brother and I went to a combat unit, I am willing to give a lot for the country. Like others, I lost my fallen friends. So much blood has been spilled on this land, but we must not break! For years I have dreamt about being the mayor of Carmiel, my favorite city. ... I hope and believe that our country is going in the direction of good and despite crises, peace will come and be good." Gilad was killed on August 8, 2006 during a mission to seek out and destroy terrorist strongholds and rocket launchers in southern Lebanon. He was 29 years old.