Fallen Golani Hero Achiya Daskal Remembered for Courage in Gaza
Fallen IDF soldier Achiya Daskal, 19, is remembered for his exceptional courage, deep values, and leadership during the fierce battles in Gaza's Shuja'iyya neighborhood. His parents now champion national unity and Jewish identity in his honor.
Achiya Daskal, a 19-and-a-half-year-old soldier from Haifa, embodied a rare combination of intellectual curiosity, deep-rooted values, and unwavering determination. After graduating from high school, he chose to study at the hesder yeshiva in Kiryat Shmona to strengthen his spiritual foundation before enlisting in the Israel Defense Forces. Driven by a profound desire to serve at the forefront of the military, he trained rigorously, running long distances three times a week to prepare himself physically and mentally. His efforts culminated in his assignment to the prestigious 51st Battalion of the Golani Brigade.
Following the outbreak of the Swords of Iron war, Achiya and his comrades entered the Gaza Strip with high morale, eager to assist in the dismantling of terror infrastructure and the rescue of hostages. Carrying only symbolic and essential items into battle—a Shabbat booklet representing the Jewish people, a small volume of the Talmud tractate Sukkah representing Jewish heritage, and a book on wartime halakha representing the Land of Israel—he demonstrated exceptional courage and composure under fire during the intense battles in Shuja'iyya.
On a Tuesday marking the fifth day of Hanukkah, Achiya's unit came under heavy attack when terrorists ambushed a building in the neighborhood. After a senior officer was killed by an RPG strike, Achiya immediately acted with remarkable coolness, evacuating a wounded soldier and repeatedly returning to the danger zone under intense fire to rescue his comrades. Alongside his commander and several other heroic fighters who rushed to the scene, Achiya fell in combat. His parents now keep his legacy alive through the Tzav HaChaim forum, emphasizing unity, Jewish identity, and the heavy price paid for the nation's sovereignty.
