‘Life is stronger than anything’: Remembering fallen soldier Sgt. Gadi Cotal
Sgt. Gadi Cotal, a soldier in the IDF Armored Corps, was killed on Sept. 8, 2025, at just 20 years old. He left behind a loving family, devoted friends and an unforgettable legacy of joy, generosity and steadfast friendship.
A child of light, laughter and music
Gadi was born in August 2005 to his mother, Andrea, who recalls with a smile that even as a child he stood out for his curiosity, energy and eagerness to take on new experiences. He was never afraid to try something different, including ballet in kindergarten, and he never stopped dancing or finding reasons to celebrate life.
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He was a true friend, a rare combination of someone who could make everyone laugh and someone who would be there the moment you needed him. His friend Ran recalls how, when he had to travel to Rambam Medical Center before dawn, Gadi was waiting outside his home at 5 a.m. with sandwiches, somehow turning what could have been a difficult day into an enjoyable one.
His sister Yael described the special bond they shared: “Gadi was my partner in everything. We were inseparable. Every experience with him ended with us laughing until we couldn’t breathe.”
Gadi was a “water kid” who loved the sea, hiking and live music.
‘I’ll be wherever I’m needed’
Gadi’s leadership and maturity became especially evident during his year of national service before the army. Following the Oct. 7 attacks, he began working with evacuated teenagers from the Gaza border communities, an experience that deepened his desire to contribute and give of himself.
When Gadi was assigned to the Armored Corps, he initially considered turning down the placement. But he soon came to see the broader need and chose to embrace the role. “What difference does it make where I serve?” he said. “I’ll take the assignment in the Armored Corps, and I’m completely at peace with it, because I’ll be wherever I’m needed.”
The circumstances of Gadi’s death, according to the final military investigation
On the morning of Sept. 8, 2025, Gadi and his tank crew were on dawn alert, assigned to defend a military position near the city of Jabaliya. At around 6 a.m., four heavily armed Hamas terrorists managed to crawl toward the position and approach it to carry out a major attack against the forces stationed there.
One of their targets was Gadi’s tank crew. One of the terrorists managed to climb onto the tank and throw a powerful explosive device inside. The blast killed all four members of the crew: tank commander Matan Abramovitz, gunner Uri Lamed, driver Amit Regev and loader Gadi Cotal. The time was 6:02 a.m.
Almost immediately, Nahal Brigade soldiers positioned just meters away opened fire on the terrorists. Their rapid response prevented the attackers from reaching additional troops and continuing the assault they had planned.
His legacy: Keep looking forward
Gadi will be remembered as someone who always walked with his head held high, proud of the path he chose and at peace with his decisions.
A phrase he often repeated to the young people he mentored continues to guide his family and loved ones even through their most difficult moments: “Life is stronger than anything.”
Sgt. Gadi Cotal of the IDF Armored Corps was killed on Sept. 8, 2025. He was 20.
May his memory be a blessing.
Sergeant
Gadi Cotal