Sgt Danny Darai

Apr 2, 2001 - Sgt. Danny Darai, 20, of Arad, was killed by a Palestinian sniper after completing guard duty at Rachel's Tomb at the entrance to Bethlehem.

Sgt. Danny Darai had just finished guard duty at Rachel's Tomb and was on his way by foot to the company camp about 200 meters away; he was mortally wounded by two bullets to the chest. Darai was quickly evacuated to Hadassah University Hospital in Ein Kerem, but died en route.

Arad Mayor Betzalel Tabib said, "It's a small city, so everyone knows everyone and the entire city is in mourning. Residents gathered last night at the soldier's house and cried. The father was himself wounded in IDF service and is very sick, so his son's death will be very hard on him," Tabib said.

Darai's mother is Canadian and was in Israel visiting her children.

Danny Darai was buried in the military section of the cemetery in Arad.