Commemorating the IDF’s Fallen: Lt. Gil Badehi z”l

Lt. Gil Badehi | Platoon commander in the 401 Brigade of the Armored Corps | Fell on the 13th of March, 2002

“My Gil, you were a mentor to us, and sometimes it was hard because you were the firstborn. My Gil, I beg your forgiveness for any heartaches we caused you in this journey of learning how to become parents.

You grew up and became a man––a man with a solid, unique perspective. I often presented you with a dilemma in order to hear your wise thoughts. That wisdom and great desire that you had for helping people made me think that you could become a psychologist.

When there was a big fire in our hometown, Nataf, we were so moved by your bravery! You were so strong, so determined, so tireless. What pride filled our hearts. These were the same qualities that your soldiers and commanders told us about when they came to visit.
They cherished you greatly.

A few months before you were killed, you came home so tired that I put you to sleep just like I did when you were a little boy… So many years have passed since the last time I did this, which was in a sense a little amusing… a mother putting her 21-year-old to sleep. 

Today, I prefer to think in these terms. I am putting you to sleep. I hope you are watching us today, and that you can see the great love I feel for you. 

You are going to sleep now, and I’m kissing and hugging you so very tight, and singing you a lullaby, and hoping for our dreams to bring us together.”

-Yael Badihi z”l, Gil’s mother

On the 13th of March, 2002, during an IDF operation in Ramallah, Gil was seriously wounded by enemy fire and was taken to a hospital in order to receive medical treatment, where he later succumbed to his wounds.