My life is finished – I love you Tommy

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Baruch Ben-Ygal struck a relationship with Maccabi Australia in 1997 when he saved an athlete from drowning when the bridge across the Yarkon River collapsed as the team headed to the opening ceremony.

Baruch Ygal points to the photo of himself, Amit and Tom Goldman

But tragedy Baruch visited him yesterday when a rock thrown at his on Amit killed the member of the Golani Brigade’s reconnaissance unit during an operation in the Palestinian village of Yabed during Monday night/Tuesday morning.

Yigal Ben Amit. (Courtesy)

21-yr-old Amit was his Baruch’s only child.

The friendship which was forged following the 1997 disaster between then Maccabi Australia’s president Tom Goldman and Baruch became stronger over the passing years not only through Maccabi but also a strong personal relationship.

Tom Goldman flew from Sydney eight years ago to Israel to attend Amit’s Barmitzvah.

Baruch used his iPhone to send a message to Tom to show him a photo of Tom, Amit and Baruch in his home saying “my life is finished. I love you Tommy.”

The relationship created a father-son bond between Tom Goldman and Baruch Ygal and the tragically-killed Amit called Tom as his grandfather.

When the IDF major visited the Ygal’s home to break the news of the death, Baruch asked him to contact Amit’s “grandfather” in Sydney.

Today the vice-president of the World Maccabi Union, Tom Goldman told J-Wire: “Baruch has been an honorary member of the Australian team in every Maccabiah since 1997. In 2013, Amit helped out with the juniors also in an unofficial capacity. I am devastated.”

The IDF permits an only child to waive army combat service. But it was not Amit’s choice and Baruch yielded to his son’s wishes.

He was only a few months from finishing his service.

A service in honour of Amit’s life will be held on Sunday night. Details to follow.