Israeli Father Dies in Slovenia While Saving Son from River Fall

Gil Hallel, a 44-year-old father of three from Kibbutz Yizrael, died during a family trip in Slovenia after attempting to rescue his 7-year-old son who fell into a river. The boy slipped and fell into the river, hitting rocks on the way down. Hallel reportedly lost his footing while trying to save his son and fell into the ravine. The child sustained injuries, including a broken leg, and was airlifted to a hospital, where he is expected to recover.

Gil Hallel, an agricultural engineering graduate of the Technion, was described by his brother Ben as a devoted father whose children were his top priority. Ben recalled his brother as someone always ready to physically help others, quick, strong, and fearless. He expressed profound grief, stating, "I can't believe I won't hear his calm, reasoned voice on the phone again, or hug him at a family gathering." He added, "The world has turned upside down for me. I am very sad and will miss him always."

Gil's wife, Rotem, shared a poignant farewell on social media, posting their last photo together. She wrote, "Twenty years you have been my anchor... I wish I could erase this day." She expressed her struggle to accept his death, stating, "I don't allow myself to mourn you yet because there is a 7-year-old boy fighting to recover, and soon I will have to tell him that his father's hug, which he also wants, will not come."

Rotem concluded her message with gratitude for their time together, saying, "I love you and I'm glad I told you that this morning when I woke up into the last warm hug." Hallel grew up in Mikhmoret and was known for his dedication to his family and his work at the kibbutz.