Akab, Shimon

Shimon, son of Fortuna and Memos, was born on January 1, 1953, in Beer-Yaakov. In 1968 he moved with his family to Bat Yam. He completed his studies at the elementary school in Beer-Yaakov and then began studying at a high-school vocational school in Lod. Shimon was a boy who liked society. He was a member of the Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed movement, where he had many friends. He liked his friends in the neighborhood and took part in organizing parties and social gatherings, in which the group spent listening to music and dancing. Shimon was an outstanding athlete, especially in lifting weights and swimming. When a swimmer participated in the crossing of the Sea of ​​Galilee and received a certificate of recognition, which was granted to him by the commander of the navy. When he was 16, his father died and Shimon was forced to stop his studies in order to help support the family. In the last two years before his enlistment in the Israel Defense Forces, he worked on the construction of elevators, continued his work, and was praised by his employers for his devotion and loyalty, and devoted himself to his fatherless family as a full partner to support the household. He was sent to the IDF in early February 1972. He asked to serve in a combat unit and was assigned to the Armored Corps. After completing basic training, he successfully completed a course at the Armored Corps School, where he was trained as a liaison and was sent to serve in a tank brigade in the Golan Heights. Shimon was among the best soldiers in his unit, devoted and loyal to his position. He acquired many friends among his comrades in the unit and was fond of his commanders. As part of this unit, he took part in an IDF raid in Lebanon, and during the Yom Kippur War, Shimon’s unit was stationed in the line of fire and took part in the battles against the Syrian army On October 6, 1973, in one of the decisive battles in this battle, The oil pipeline was hit by Shimon’s tank and he was killed. He was brought to eternal rest in the cemetery in Holon. Survived by a mother and seven brothers. After his fall, he was promoted to First Sergeant.