In the five months Gal* has spent on Queensland’s picturesque Magnetic Island, it’s become her home away from home.
“It’s my second home. It’s my second family here — the most amazing people I’ve ever met,” she told 7NEWS.
“I almost left once. Two or three months ago I was supposed to go back home. The moment I stepped on the ferry, I realised I didn’t want to leave.
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“So I came back to the island.”
But on Thursday, the 25-year-old is leaving north Queensland for Israel.
Gal, who works as a barista on Magnetic Island, has been called up as a reservist to support Israel’s military effort in the conflict sparked by Hamas militants killing more than 1200 people and wounding 2700 more iin an hours-long rampage on Saturday.
She is “more than 200 per cent” certain about her desire to join the effort because it’s the “right thing to do”.
“It’s not a choice. It’s the obvious thing to do for me,” she said.
“I grew up in Israel. I was born in Israel. My friends are in Israel.
“It’s my country. It’s my people. It’s the right thing to do.”
But also fuelling Gal’s decision is a personal heartbreak.
Tiferet Lapidot, a 23-year-old who Gal befriended at a music festival in Australia, is missing from the fateful Nova music festival, which was attacked by Hamas.
“She is the hugest light in this world and left the biggest mark on my heart,” Gal said.
“So many people are praying for her … we don’t know what might have happened.
“People got murdered, girls got raped, girls got taken hostage, stripped naked and raped again. People got beheaded.
“I hope she’s safe and alive.”
Gal revealed she received a text from her reserves commander about her “unit being summoned to start working”.
“I almost immediately realised I’m going back to Israel,” she said.
“Anyone who can actually help is needed. I know I can help, so I have to go.
“Now I feel like I just want to get home.”
*Last name withheld on request
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