Yaacov Gal was born on February 21, 1955, on Kibbutz Nir Am to Naftali and Zvia. When he was two years old, the family relocated to Beersheba and later settled in Tel Aviv. Yaacov began his education at the elementary school in Ramat Chen and continued at the Ussiskin Elementary School in Ramat Hasharon. During his childhood, his parents were sent on shlichut (educational mission) to Chile, and Yaacov joined them there. However, two years later, he made the independent decision to return to Israel on his own, where he continued his studies for two years at the Herzliya Gymnasia.
In late 1972, Yaacov reunited with his family, who were then posted in Brazil. Yet when the Yom Kippur War broke out in October 1973, he returned once again to Israel, committed to standing with his country in its time of need.
In November 1973, Yaacov was drafted into the Israel Defense Forces and volunteered for service in the Paratroopers Brigade. He distinguished himself during his service, becoming an officer and serving in both infantry and paratrooper capacities. He completed five years of military service and was discharged in January 1978.
After his service, Yaacov began academic studies at the Faculty of Agriculture at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Rehovot. In November 1978, he married Ayala, and the couple established their home in Rehovot.
In June 1982, during the First Lebanon War, Yaacov was called up for reserve duty with his unit. On June 23, 1982, he was killed in action in central Lebanon. He was 27 years old.
Yaacov Gal was laid to rest in the military cemetery of Nir Zvi. He is remembered as a devoted son, a principled and courageous soldier, and a man deeply committed to his homeland and his people.
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