Lt. Daniel Mandel

Apr 15, 2003 - Lt. Daniel Mandel, 24, of Alon Shvut was killed in an exchange of gunfire during a search for wanted terrorists in Nablus.

A Nahal reconnaissance unit entered Nablus on Monday night in search of wanted Hamas terrorists. Before dawn, they encircled the building and called on the terrorists inside to surrender. Two did so, but the third terrorist opened fire, mortally wounding Lt. Daniel Mandel and injuring another soldier.

Daniel was born in Toronto, Canada and immigrated to Israel with his family as a child 15 years ago. He began his IDF service after completing studies at the pre-military Atzmona yeshiva. He had just taken command of a Nahal reconnaissance squad two weeks ago after completing special training.

Friends described him as a special person and a charismatic leader, endowed with a peace of mind which he inherited from his parents. He was a perfectionist in everything he did. He loved music and played a number of instruments.

Lt. Daniel Mandel was buried in the Kfar Etzion cemetery. He is survived by his parents, David and Cheryl, his sister Nicole (28), and three brothers: Yona (26), Gabriel (20) and Shlomo (18).