Australian Jewish soldier KIA in Afghanistan

Jewish Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan

January 7, 2009

SYDNEY, Australia (JTA) – A South African-born Jewish soldier serving in the Australian army was killed in Afghanistan.

Pvt. Gregory Sher, 30, was with a Special Operations Task Group when he was killed Sunday in a rocket attack by Taliban insurgents on a military compound in the Oruzgan Province, southwest of Kabul.

An Orthodox Jewish burial in Melbourne is scheduled for Sunday.

The Sher family issued a statement Wednesday through the Defense Department.

“Greg was a man of purpose and committed determination,” it said. “He was an extremely positive person with a kind soul.”

The family said Sher’s decision to serve his country was “a true indication of his character.”

Sher had served in East Timor, where he had received the Australian Active Service Medal, the United Nations Transitional Authority in East Timor Medal and the Infantry Combat badge. He also was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the NATO medal and the Australian Defense Medal.

Sher, who moved to Australia with his family in 1986, was the eighth Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002.

“This brave soldier, wearing the uniform of Australia, died in the field of duty wearing his nation’s uniform, wearing it with pride,” Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Monday.

Australia has just over 1,000 troops in Afghanistan, where a U.S.-led coalition of about 70,000 troops has been fighting the Taliban and al-Qaida forces in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. http://jta.org/news/article/2009/01/07/1002059/jewish-australian-soldier-killed-in-afghanistan

4 comments

  • 18th January 2009

    Last Sunday, 11th January, Pte Gregory Michael Sher,1st Commando Regiment, Australian Army, was

    buried in a Jewish Cemetery with full military honours.

    In attendance was the Prime Minister Mr Kevin Rudd, Deputy PM, Ms Julia Gillard, other politicians, generals, comrades-in-arms, former

    commandos and a sizeable number from the Jewish Community. Estimated attendance: 2000.

    Pte Sher was accorded the highest honours at the funeral – Rabbi Phillip Heilbrunn conducted the

    ritual according to Jewish tradition.

    The Victorian Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women (VAJEX) was represented and we finished the ceremony by placing a Poppy on Greg’s grave followed by all others.

    He will be missed.

    Ben Hirsh,

    President,

    VAJEX

  • Sir,

    Thank you for the update, and our condolences to both Australia and his family.

    May we all know only joy,

    SGT Kresge

  • 19th January 2009

    Addenda to yesterday’s letter:

    Thank you for printing my letter.

    Pte Greg Sher (30) was the youngest member of VAJEX and the first Australian Jewish soldier killed in a war zone since 1945.

    The Jewish community is represented in the Australian Defence Force in the fight against terrorism; in peace-keeping roles and other duties. We all wish them success and a safe return upon completion of their duties. As partners with the USA and other nations, Australia and the Jewish community play their part.

    Ben Hirsh,

    President,

    VAJEX

  • Dear Sgt Kresge,

    This is to let you know that the Victorian Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women, Inc (VAJEX) has launched its website. it can be found at http://www.jewishmilitayvic.org.au – and will be updated all the time.

    Thanking you for your attention.

    Yours faithfully.

    Ben Hirsh

    President