David Menachem Gordon was the son of Dr. Jacob (Yaakov Leib - Jake) and Ruth Leah Gordon. He grew up in Detroit's Oak Park Orthodox community and went to high school in Pittsburgh. After high school he intended to join the US Navy but subsequently decided that he was needed more in Israel to fight in the IDF rather than in the US. 'I want to do something. I want to be useful. I want to be strong,' he explained when asked about his decision.
David made Aliyah in January 1913 and initially worked as a volunteer at Magen, a Child Protection Organization in Beit Shemesh. After his induction into the IDF in August 2013 he became a sharpshooter in the Givati Brigade's elite Shaked Battalion. Highly motivated, he was well liked by his fellow soldiers and respected by his commanders. On August 17, 2014, 21 year-old David was reported missing from his base; his body was found two days later. He was buried in the Mt. Herzl Military Cemetery with full military honors.
David will be best remembered for his writing, especially his blog 'Sparks of David.' It was in the blog that he revealed painful aspects of his childhood that had been hidden for many years. His bold voice and activism led others to speak out and seek help. In one article he noted with pride: 'I can offer hope, counsel and guidance to the still-suffering. I can be a leader with a voice.'
