IDF Soldier Killed in Gaza
CBNNews.com
July 12, 2007
CBNNews.com - GAZA STRIP - In a counter-terrorism operation in the al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Staff Sgt. Arbel Reich, 21, was killed and two others wounded when Izz el-Deen al-Kassam Brigades terrorists, the armed wing of Hamas, opened fire on the troops with rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns.
The wounded soldiers were evacuated to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva.
The Givati Brigade infantrymen, on high alert because of the anniversary of the start of last summer's war with Lebanon, were backed up by aircraft, which fired on the terrorists, wounding two seriously, according to Palestinian sources.
The operation, which began late Wednesday night, followed several days of mortar and rocket attacks on southern Israel.
The Givati Brigade troops were working to uncover terror infrastructure, including rocket launching sites, explosives manufacturing labs and storage facilities, weapons caches, and smuggling tunnels.
Loved by All
Well loved by his friends and family, Reich was planning to make a career of the military.
The IDF released his friends from duty to attend the funeral. Their first stop was the home of Ruth Givati, Reich's high school teacher.
"They all came to my house before going to one of the friends," said Givati. "They need to cry, spend time together and draw strength from each other. This is a great shock for them," she said.
"When they coined the phrase 'salt of the earth' it was for people like him," Givati said. "He was decent, sensitive and always willing to help," she said.
Reich is survived by his parents, Yael and Moshe, and two sisters, Moran and Einav.
Sources: YNet, Haaretz
CBN IS HERE FOR YOU!
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting?
Are you facing a difficult situation?
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
