JEWISH SOLDIER MOURNED IN SOUTH FLORIDA

'G.I. Jew' mourned in South Florida (JTA)
NORTH LAUDERDALE, Fla. (JTA) – The Army had big plans for Daniel Agami when he returned from Iraq. "They were going to use his talents and center an advertising campaign around him as an ambassador for the United States Army," said Lt. Col. Douglas Maddox Jr., a casualty assistance officer. "The campaign was slated to commence in three months when Daniel was to return stateside." Agami never made it back. Maddox was speaking following his funeral on June 26.

The 25-year-old Army specialist affectionately known as "G.I. Jew" was killed five days earlier in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near the Humvee in which he and four other soldiers were riding.

His funeral at the Star of David Cemetery in North Lauderdale drew more than 1,000 mourners, including several area rabbis and representatives of Jewish organizations. He was buried with full military honors. Instead of the usual 21-gun salute, the Honor Guard fired 18 rounds to signify "chai," the Jewish symbol for life.

Agami, who lived in South Florida, was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal. He also was promoted from private first class to specialist.

"Daniel did not consult with anyone when he enlisted. He simply felt a calling," said Rabbi Yossi Denburg, dean of the Hebrew Academy Community School in Margate and spiritual leader of the Chabad of Coral Springs, who officiated at the funeral. "He always knew his life was meant for a greater significance and purpose and, first and foremost, Daniel was a soldier in God's army."

Denburg said Agami kept kosher in the Army, and slept with an American and Israeli flag over his bunk. "His rifle had a sign titled 'The Hebrew Hammer,' and he named the U.S. Army issued yarmulke his 'Combatika,' " the rabbi said. "Daniel’s sense of humor and love of life was evident in all that he did."

According to Capt. Jared Purcell, the Army's public affairs officer in Baghdad, Agami was a mentor to orphans in Iraq.