Dror Hanin, a dedicated volunteer who was delivering food to Israeli soldiers, became the first Israeli casualty of Operation Protective Edge.
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 a volunteer mission to bring food to IDF soldiers at the Gaza border.
Hanin had organized food packages and small gifts for the soldiers, made by children, but did not have the 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, head of the Beit Aryeh Council in Samaria, where Hanin lived, told Tazpit News Agency:
Killed While Doing What he Most Loved: Helping Others
“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.”
Naim also expressed hope that Israel will completely eradicate the terror threat from Gaza.
Hanin, among his numerous volunteering efforts, was an active firefighter for the past three years, involved in several life-saving operations. The Fire Department issued a notice of condolence:
Fire Department: Hanin was a ‘Real Fighter’ and Champion Volunteer
“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.”
The local Chabad rabbi described Hanin as an individual 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,” the rabbi stated.
Dror Hanin will be laid to rest Wednesday at the Yahud cemetery near Hebron.
Author: Aryeh Sapir, Tazpit News Agency