Dror Hanin, The First Israeli Casualty – “He Volunteered Everywhere”

JERUSALEM – Dror Hanin, 37, a father of three, the first Israeli casualty of Operation ‘Protective Edge’, was killed yesterday by Hamas mortar fire as he was on another volunteer mission to bring food to soldiers on the Gazan border. He had organized food packages and small gifts for the soldiers made by children, but did not have a chance to conclude his mission.

Hanin was described by all who knew him as someone who was ready to volunteer and help whenever and wherever necessary.

His brother Yossi described a person who was everywhere, all the time. “It’s hard to define Dror, “He told the IDF Radio, “Dror was everywhere. He would offer help even if it wasn’t required, that’s the way he was. He was constantly looking to do good. If you would ask him ‘what can I do for you?’ he would reply: ‘No, what can I do for you’.”

Avi Naim, the Head of the Beit Aryeh Council, where Hanin lived, told Tazpit News Agency about Hanin: “Dror was a special person, guided by values. He met his death tragically while doing what he most loved – the love of his fellow man through unending giving.” He further expressed his hope the Israel would completely eradicate the terror threat from Gaza.

The Fire Department issued a notice of condolences, as Hanin was a volunteer firefighter. “He was a real fighter and a volunteer at heart, the first to initiate and act, dominant and active at the fire station in Beit Aryeh.” Hanin was an active firefighter for the past three years, involved in several life-saving operations.

The local Chabad Rabbi described him as someone who was constantly offering to help. “You know how they say that God takes the best – this is the case now. He was always offering to help, calling and asking what is needed.”

Hanin will be laid to rest later today at the Yahud cemetery.