A leader who put others before himself: Remembering Staff Sgt. Gal Mishaelof, killed in Gaza
Staff Sgt. Gal Mishaelof brought light, compassion and extraordinary determination into the world. From childhood, he stood out for his deep and special bond with his family, first as the "shadow" of his older brother, Raz, whom he followed through every stage of life, and later as a source of strength and protection for his younger sister, Mika.
The close bond between Gal and Raz was well known. The two grew up almost like twins, played soccer together for Ironi Modi'in, attended the same school and developed a shared set of values and goals. As he grew older, Gal became a source of security and comfort for Mika. "When I was little and afraid of the dark, I would sleep in his room," she recalls with longing. "I felt like he was protecting me. Even as we grew older, he was the only person who knew everything about me and was there for me through the most difficult situations. His optimistic nature is still a source of light in a dark place."
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The fight to serve in combat and become a commander
Gal's fighting spirit and determination were evident long before he put on a military uniform. When he learned that his medical profile might prevent him from serving in a combat role, he underwent laser eye surgery and patiently waited for months, determined to secure his enlistment in the Givati Brigade.
In August 2021, he enlisted in Givati. Although he had been selected for the brigade's reconnaissance unit after successfully completing the screening process, he was assigned to the Tzabar Battalion as part of a program aimed at strengthening regular battalions. Gal embraced the assignment wholeheartedly and soon went on to complete a squad commanders course before returning to the battalion as a highly respected commander.
His father, Nir, recalls with pride: "He was only a sergeant, not an officer, but he was regarded as one of the most respected commanders in the battalion." Gal always put others before himself, listening to his soldiers and leading by example with quiet confidence.
His final battle at Rantisi Hospital
On October 27, 2023, as the IDF began its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, Gal entered deep into the territory alongside his soldiers. On Sunday, November 19, 2023, his unit took part in a complex, prolonged battle lasting seven hours at the Rantisi Hospital compound in northern Gaza, following intelligence indicating that hostages were being held there. Gal led his troops from the front, showing courage under heavy fire. As exchanges of fire continued and anti-tank missiles were launched toward the force, he kept looking after his soldiers and checking on their well-being until his final moments, when he was struck and killed in battle.
Staff Sgt. Gal Mishaelof was just 21 years old when he fell. He left behind his parents, siblings and many friends who remember him as a courageous soldier, a devoted commander and a man whose warmth, radiant smile and love will continue to light their way.
Staff Sgt. Gal Mishaelof, of the Givati Brigade, fell in battle on November 19, 2023, at the age of 21.
May his memory be a blessing.
Staff Sergeant
Gal Mishaelof