Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, was marked at the
Tomb of Machpela in Hebron, burial site of the Biblical Matriarchs and Patriarchs. The
ceremony was held on Tuesday May 10th. In attendance were representatives of the
Israel Defense Forces, bereaved families and an honor guard from an IDF Infantry
Battalion.
Tomb of Machpela in Hebron, burial site of the Biblical Matriarchs and Patriarchs. The
ceremony was held on Tuesday May 10th. In attendance were representatives of the
Israel Defense Forces, bereaved families and an honor guard from an IDF Infantry
Battalion.
A high percentage of men and women from Hebron, Kiryat Arba, and the greater
Hebron Hills region joined combat units and become officers in the IDF. The presence of
both normal civilian life and the military ensures Hebron has relative calm in
comparison to other areas. These factors protect both Israeli and PA residents of
Hebron, visitors to the historic city, and the rest of Israel who benefit from the
prevention of an even greater terrorist infrastructure being formed.
Hebron Hills region joined combat units and become officers in the IDF. The presence of
both normal civilian life and the military ensures Hebron has relative calm in
comparison to other areas. These factors protect both Israeli and PA residents of
Hebron, visitors to the historic city, and the rest of Israel who benefit from the
prevention of an even greater terrorist infrastructure being formed.
There are so many brave heroes that could be mentioned. The following is a
brief list of some of those that gave their lives for the benefit of the
country.
brief list of some of those that gave their lives for the benefit of the
country.
Dror Weinberg
Colonel Dror Weinberg, age 38 was one of 12 people killed — nine soldiers
and three civilians from the Kiryat Arba emergency response team — and 15 wounded in
Hebron when jihadists opened fire and threw grenades at a group of worshipers Sabbath
eve in 2002. The security personnel returned fire and pursued the attackers in a
battle lasting some 90 minutes.
and three civilians from the Kiryat Arba emergency response team — and 15 wounded in
Hebron when jihadists opened fire and threw grenades at a group of worshipers Sabbath
eve in 2002. The security personnel returned fire and pursued the attackers in a
battle lasting some 90 minutes.
Weinberg, who commanded the Hebron Brigade, was an outstanding field officer
and was slated to become commander of the Paratroop Brigade. He also commanded a
paratroop battalion, an elite Maglan unit, and a reserve brigade.
and was slated to become commander of the Paratroop Brigade. He also commanded a
paratroop battalion, an elite Maglan unit, and a reserve brigade.
OC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Moshe Kaplinsky said that Weinberg had served in
a number of senior field positions “and all of them with excellence and in a way that so
characterized him: determination, absolute faith in the justice of his cause, leadership
ability, and remarkable self-control especially in difficult and developing situations
— and with all this, with a wonderful sensitivity for human life and feelings. In a
symbolic way, he was killed directly defending what he so much believed in: providing
security for the Jewish residents of this region, just as in any other place where he
was responsible.”
a number of senior field positions “and all of them with excellence and in a way that so
characterized him: determination, absolute faith in the justice of his cause, leadership
ability, and remarkable self-control especially in difficult and developing situations
— and with all this, with a wonderful sensitivity for human life and feelings. In a
symbolic way, he was killed directly defending what he so much believed in: providing
security for the Jewish residents of this region, just as in any other place where he
was responsible.”
Also killed in the attack was Border Police Chief-Superintendent Samih
Sweidan, Chief of Operations of Hebron’s Border Police unit, a 31-year-old Israeli
resident of the village of Arab al-Aramshe, Lt. Dan Cohen, Sgt. Igor Drobitsky, Cpl.
David Marcus, 20, Sgt. Tomer Nov, Sgt. Gad Rahamim, St.-Sgt. Netanel Makhlouf, St.-Sgt.
Yeshayahu Davidov, Yitzhak Buanish (head of Kiryat Arba Emergency Response Team),
Alexander Zwitman, and Alexander Dohan.
Sweidan, Chief of Operations of Hebron’s Border Police unit, a 31-year-old Israeli
resident of the village of Arab al-Aramshe, Lt. Dan Cohen, Sgt. Igor Drobitsky, Cpl.
David Marcus, 20, Sgt. Tomer Nov, Sgt. Gad Rahamim, St.-Sgt. Netanel Makhlouf, St.-Sgt.
Yeshayahu Davidov, Yitzhak Buanish (head of Kiryat Arba Emergency Response Team),
Alexander Zwitman, and Alexander Dohan.
FURTHER READING:
http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/ForeignPolicy/Terrorism/Victims/Pages/Col%20Dror%20Weinberg.aspx
http://jewishmom.com/2012/12/04/colonel-dror-weinberg-zls-son-appointed-to-command-fathers-unit/
http://www.haaretz.com/slain-colonel-was-destined-for-greatness-1.28197
http://www.shaveihevron.org/show_item.asp?itemId=966&levelId=62385&itemType=0
http://www.onefamilyfund.org/memorial/weinberg_dror.pdf
http://jewishmom.com/2012/12/04/colonel-dror-weinberg-zls-son-appointed-to-command-fathers-unit/
http://www.haaretz.com/slain-colonel-was-destined-for-greatness-1.28197
http://www.shaveihevron.org/show_item.asp?itemId=966&levelId=62385&itemType=0
http://www.onefamilyfund.org/memorial/weinberg_dror.pdf
Major Benaya Sarel
Benaya Sarel was a native of Kiryat Arba, the close-by sister city of Hebron.
He was one of the many soldiers killed defending Israel against the missile attacks from
Gaza during Operation Protective Edge in 2014. His unit was ambushed during what was
supposed to be a ceasefire with Hamas, killing him along with Second Lt. Hadar Goldin of
Kfar Saba, and Staff Sgt. Liel Gidoni of Jerusalem. He was scheduled to me married that
week.
He was one of the many soldiers killed defending Israel against the missile attacks from
Gaza during Operation Protective Edge in 2014. His unit was ambushed during what was
supposed to be a ceasefire with Hamas, killing him along with Second Lt. Hadar Goldin of
Kfar Saba, and Staff Sgt. Liel Gidoni of Jerusalem. He was scheduled to me married that
week.
An August 21, 2014 article in the Times of Israel stated, “Following his
death, Sarel’s friends contacted Carmei Ha’Ir, a non-profit organization that helps
those unable to provide for themselves, and offered to donate all the gifts that they
were going to give to the couple to the organization instead. In addition, the group
arranged to have a “wedding feast” for needy people at the headquarters of the
Jerusalem-based organization that provides a daily free dinner for those who are unable
to feed themselves. The tables in the dining room were laid out with a festive spread
and a poster explained that the meal was in honor of a fallen IDF soldier in place of
his wedding banquet. ‘On a day that joy turned to sorrow. The sound of cheering turned
to grief’, the poster read. In this act of kindness find comfort.”
death, Sarel’s friends contacted Carmei Ha’Ir, a non-profit organization that helps
those unable to provide for themselves, and offered to donate all the gifts that they
were going to give to the couple to the organization instead. In addition, the group
arranged to have a “wedding feast” for needy people at the headquarters of the
Jerusalem-based organization that provides a daily free dinner for those who are unable
to feed themselves. The tables in the dining room were laid out with a festive spread
and a poster explained that the meal was in honor of a fallen IDF soldier in place of
his wedding banquet. ‘On a day that joy turned to sorrow. The sound of cheering turned
to grief’, the poster read. In this act of kindness find comfort.”
Earlier this year, local high school students from Kirayt Arba and Hebron
have formed what they called Sayeret Benaya, or “Benaya Patrol” named for Benaya
Sarel. While soldiers stationed in the Hebron and Kiryat Arba area are on patrol against
terrorists, the teenagers are on patrol delivering drinks and snacks to them. Members of
the general public have joined the Benaya Patrol as well.
The project builds a relationship between high school students who will soon be inducted
into army service and active duty soldiers.
have formed what they called Sayeret Benaya, or “Benaya Patrol” named for Benaya
Sarel. While soldiers stationed in the Hebron and Kiryat Arba area are on patrol against
terrorists, the teenagers are on patrol delivering drinks and snacks to them. Members of
the general public have joined the Benaya Patrol as well.
The project builds a relationship between high school students who will soon be inducted
into army service and active duty soldiers.
FURTHER READING:
http://www.timesofisrael.com/needy-treated-to-feast-in-memory-of-fallen-soldier/
http://www.pmo.gov.il/English/TerrorInjured/Pages/vicMAJORBENAYASAREL.aspx
http://en.hebron.org.il/news/359
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQx8jnHezNM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp5xMXkfhtM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nk-AxnBsYE
http://www.timesofisrael.com/needy-treated-to-feast-in-memory-of-fallen-soldier/
http://www.pmo.gov.il/English/TerrorInjured/Pages/vicMAJORBENAYASAREL.aspx
http://en.hebron.org.il/news/359
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQx8jnHezNM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp5xMXkfhtM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nk-AxnBsYE
Elazar Leibovich
Staff Sergeant Elazar Lebovitch (sometimes spelled Leibowitz) of Hebron, was
killed in 2002 protecting a family driving home who was ambushed by terrorists on the
road. He was driving newlyweds Neria and Sara Ben-Yitzhak to the Admot Yishai neighborhood in
Hebron to celebrate their first Shabbat together with Neria’s parents. When they reached
the Zeif intersection terrorists opened fire on them, fatally wounding Elazar. The
Dikstein family car approached from the opposite direction; three members of the family
were killed and two were injured.
killed in 2002 protecting a family driving home who was ambushed by terrorists on the
road. He was driving newlyweds Neria and Sara Ben-Yitzhak to the Admot Yishai neighborhood in
Hebron to celebrate their first Shabbat together with Neria’s parents. When they reached
the Zeif intersection terrorists opened fire on them, fatally wounding Elazar. The
Dikstein family car approached from the opposite direction; three members of the family
were killed and two were injured.
St.-Sgt. Elazar Lebovitch, who was celebrating his 21st birthday, served in
the Nahal Brigade. He was the fifth child of Yossi and Etta Lebovitch, veteran residents
of the Avraham Avinu neighborhood in Hebron. Orit Struck, a resident of Hebron,
described Elazar as full of life, an idealist who volunteered for every task. Several
years ago his brother Yedidia was wounded in a stabbing in the Hebron market.
the Nahal Brigade. He was the fifth child of Yossi and Etta Lebovitch, veteran residents
of the Avraham Avinu neighborhood in Hebron. Orit Struck, a resident of Hebron,
described Elazar as full of life, an idealist who volunteered for every task. Several
years ago his brother Yedidia was wounded in a stabbing in the Hebron market.
A few months ago, due to the widespread shooting attacks and bombings
throughout the country, Elazar had prepared a will that included instructions for
his funeral, who should eulogize him and how he was to be buried.
throughout the country, Elazar had prepared a will that included instructions for
his funeral, who should eulogize him and how he was to be buried.
St.-Sgt. Elazar Lebovitch was buried in the old Jewish cemetery in Hebron,
near the graves of the victims of the 1929 Hebron massacre. A music concert took place
in his memory and a CD entitled Songs
Elazar Loved was released including well-known musicians, several
from the area such as Ehud Banai, Shivi Keller, Sinai Tor, Aaron Razel and
others.
near the graves of the victims of the 1929 Hebron massacre. A music concert took place
in his memory and a CD entitled Songs
Elazar Loved was released including well-known musicians, several
from the area such as Ehud Banai, Shivi Keller, Sinai Tor, Aaron Razel and
others.
David Wilder, veteran spokesperson for the Jewish Community of Hebron stated,
” asked Elazar’s father, Yossi, why the family chose this way to commemorate Elazar’s
death. He told me, “Elazar left a will, asking that at his funeral people should not
mourn, rather they should sing and be happy. This led to the production of a special
music CD, released earlier this year, full of songs that Elazar loved. Now we are trying
to continue his legacy. It is not necessarily easy for us. We want the event to be
suitable, not just a songfest get-together. But, with G-d’s help, it will work out the
way we want, and the way Elazar would have wanted.”
” asked Elazar’s father, Yossi, why the family chose this way to commemorate Elazar’s
death. He told me, “Elazar left a will, asking that at his funeral people should not
mourn, rather they should sing and be happy. This led to the production of a special
music CD, released earlier this year, full of songs that Elazar loved. Now we are trying
to continue his legacy. It is not necessarily easy for us. We want the event to be
suitable, not just a songfest get-together. But, with G-d’s help, it will work out the
way we want, and the way Elazar would have wanted.”
FURTHER READING:
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/business/god-and-love-and-rock-n-roll-1.101191
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/01/opinion/in-hebron-death-and-life.html
http://www.hebron.com/english/article.php?id=683
http://www.izkor.gov.il/HalalKorot.aspx?id=516398
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBVW4PTUWVM
http://www.haaretz.com/slain-soldier-was-always-ready-to-help-1.38548
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Radio/News.aspx/2611
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/27711
http://davidwilder.blogspot.com/2003/08/sing-we-will.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/01/opinion/in-hebron-death-and-life.html
http://www.hebron.com/english/article.php?id=683
http://www.izkor.gov.il/HalalKorot.aspx?id=516398
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBVW4PTUWVM
http://www.haaretz.com/slain-soldier-was-always-ready-to-help-1.38548
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Radio/News.aspx/2611
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/27711
http://davidwilder.blogspot.com/2003/08/sing-we-will.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ery1LFMjiwA
http://jewishmusic.fm/frame.php?url=/album/%D7%A9%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%A9%D7%90%D7%9C%D7%A2%D7%96%D7%A8-%D7%90%D7%94%D7%91/
http://www.shaveihevron.org/show_item.asp?itemId=39943&levelId=61953&itemType=10
These are just some of the people who have fallen in the line of duty or been
victims of terrorism from Hebron and the surrounding communities. Nevertheless, The
Hebron area enjoys a high rate of young people volunteering for combat units and other
high level work. In addition youth joining Sherut Leumi (National Service) and other
volunteer opportunities is high. A sense of obligation, and optimism prevails. On
Yom Hazikaron we mourn those we lost and look forward to the brighter future they fought
for.
victims of terrorism from Hebron and the surrounding communities. Nevertheless, The
Hebron area enjoys a high rate of young people volunteering for combat units and other
high level work. In addition youth joining Sherut Leumi (National Service) and other
volunteer opportunities is high. A sense of obligation, and optimism prevails. On
Yom Hazikaron we mourn those we lost and look forward to the brighter future they fought
for.
To visit Hebron for Yom Hazikaron or Yom Haatzmaut:
United States contact info:
http://www.hebronfund.org
1760 Ocean Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11230
718-677-6886
info@hebronfund.org
In Israel contact the offices of the Jewish Community of Hebron at:
http://en.hebron.org.il/
02-996-5333
office@hebron.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hebronofficial
United States contact info:
http://www.hebronfund.org
1760 Ocean Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11230
718-677-6886
info@hebronfund.org
In Israel contact the offices of the Jewish Community of Hebron at:
http://en.hebron.org.il/
02-996-5333
office@hebron.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hebronofficial
