Born on April 23, 1953 in the Druze village of Beit Jan. Jamal began his studies at the elementary school in his village, and later attended high school in the village of Rama for two years. He then dropped out to help support his family.

In May 1971, he enlisted for compulsory service and was assigned to the Border Guard. After successfully completing the training course, he served as a soldier in an operational unit, where he distinguished himself with leadership skills. He was sent to the squad commanders' course and the company commanders' course, successfully completing them and being appointed a squad commander. In May 1974, he completed his compulsory service and decided to continue in permanent service.

In 1975, he married Samia, and over the years they had three children – Rula, Suha and Mona. Jamal was known as a devoted father and responsible family man, who took care of every detail and devoted a lot of time to his family.

In 1976, he was transferred to serve in the Counter-Terrorism Unit, where he served for about four years. He was then assigned to Company 1. Among his fellow unit members, he was known as an easygoing, attentive, and reassuring person who always knew how to give good advice. His commanders saw him as a reliable and dedicated commander, highly motivated and constantly striving to advance. In recognition of his performance, he was sent to a driving course, in which he excelled.

During the Galilee Peace War, his unit operated in the city of Tyre, in cooperation with the Shin Bet. On November 4, 1983, a car bomb loaded with about half a ton of explosives entered a Border Police facility in the city, which exploded and caused the buildings to collapse. In the second Tyre disaster, about sixty people were killed, including twenty-eight members of the security establishment - and Jamal was among them.

Jamal was 30 years old when he died. He was buried in the family plot in the Beit Jan cemetery, leaving behind a wife and three children.

In his eulogy, his commander said: "A long time will pass before we get used to the fact that Jamal's place is gone. His extensive experience and personal qualities, which he acquired during his service in the counter-terrorism unit, served as an example and role model for all the squad commanders in the unit."

After his fall, his brother Farid married his widow, Samia, and raised their children with her.

Sergeant Major Jamal Fares is commemorated at the Yad Labanim Memorial, at the Druze Martyrs' Memorial in Usfiya, at the Beit Jan Martyrs' Memorial, at the Border Guard Martyrs' Memorial at the Iron Junction, and at the Israel Police Martyrs' Memorial at the Police College in Beit Shemesh.