IDF Colonel Golan Vach was injured in a tunnel collapse while investigating infrastructure in the Gaza Strip but is now in stable condition following his evacuation. As the commander of the IDF Home Front Command's National Rescue Unit, Vach has led numerous rescue and humanitarian missions worldwide, including efforts following the Champlain Towers collapse in Florida in 2021 and the massive earthquakes in Turkey in 2023, for which he received a medal from the Turkish government.
The 50-year-old veteran lives in Kibbutz Beit Rimon in northern Israel. Since the outbreak of the war, Vach has been actively engaged, initially addressing the aftermath of the October 7 massacre and subsequently participating in combat operations in the Gaza Strip. In an interview with Arutz Sheva, Colonel Vach reflected, "The music festival was the most challenging scene I've ever encountered. With twenty years of experience dealing with natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes, and as a combat officer in Lebanon and Hebron, I have seen a lot. But this was different. Their goal was not just to kill but to humiliate."
In a recent interview with the Jewish Journal, Colonel Vach further explained, “In the first three weeks, we concentrated on dealing with the aftermath of the disaster, alongside the rest of the IDF and the nation. We managed to evacuate all the bodies and then began searching for the missing. Many of the missing were not found due to being burned, so we conducted house-to-house searches for remains.”
His military service began at a military boarding school, followed by enlistment in the Paratroopers Brigade, service in Battalion 890, and leading combat in southern Lebanon. In an interview with "Israel Hashavua," he said: "The war in Gaza is because we are lovers of humanity and seekers of life."
Colonel Golan Vach, 50, was injured this morning (Tuesday) when a tunnel shaft collapsed on him during operational activities to investigate and destroy subterranean infrastructure in the central Gaza Strip, near the Nitzarim area. He was extracted from the shaft and transported in stable condition for further medical treatment at the hospital.
Vach, born as the third child in a family of eleven, has a background that deeply influenced his life and career. His father, Shalom (75), a Belgian-born son of Holocaust survivors, manages an organization focused on immigrant absorption. His mother, Liat (71), born in Tunisia, works as a couples' therapist. Vach grew up in Kiryat Arba, developed a profound love for music, and experienced a childhood rich in values and influential figures.
His military service began at the military boarding school Or Etzion. He enlisted in the Paratroopers Brigade, served in Battalion 890, and completed an impressive command course. Vach was a company commander in the battalion and led operations in southern Lebanon. He later served as a commander in the Maglan Unit and in other command roles. He completed his active service as the head of the Armor Department at the Home Front Command with the rank of Colonel. After leaving the IDF, Vaach was appointed as the commander of the National Rescue and Recovery Unit (YACH”A), a position he held until 2024. In this role, he led Home Front Command's aid missions to disaster areas worldwide, including Haiti, Brazil, Albania, and Turkey.
During Operation Iron Swords, Vach was recruited immediately after the battles began on October 7. He led the YACH”A in rescue and recovery operations in the Gaza Envelope and later entered the Gaza Strip with IDF forces. There, he and his team assisted in rescuing soldiers, repairing damaged infrastructure, and destroying terror infrastructure. His brother, Brigadier General Yehuda Vach, serves as the commander of Division 252, which is currently fighting in the central Gaza Strip.
In addition to his military role, Vach is involved in immigration and absorption, working with the organization "Israelah" to promote the immigration and absorption of Jews from South America. He is also a musician and the founder of the family band "The Vach Family," where he is the composer and arranger for most of their songs. The band has released around 80 songs across six albums. Vach is married to Hadar, a social worker, and is the father of seven children.
In January, Vach was interviewed by "Israel Hashavua" and described his activities in the war: "In every rescue mission, I am accompanied by the question of what the mother feels." The interview took place after he participated in rescue operations following the collapse of a building in central Gaza Strip, where 21 soldiers were killed. In the interview, Vaach shared insights from his experience in the war: "The entire army operates in maneuver, with faith in the righteousness of the path, initiative, and creativity. Young people have emerged here who are a wonder generation, with the spirit of the War of Independence." Regarding his role in retrieving casualties, he said: "At this point, I am an envoy of the parents, the IDF, and the state." Vaach also addressed the importance of actions against the enemy: "We are capable of being harsh toward Gazans because we are lovers of humanity and seekers of life. Fighting them is a way to love humanity."
Jerusalem Post and Israel Hayom contributed to this article.
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