Akal, Zechariah

Son of Ovadia and Mazal. He was born on the 20th of Sivan 5717 (June 20, 1957) in Tel Aviv. Zacharya graduated from the Bar-Ilan elementary school in Holon, and then studied for two years in vocational training in Tel Aviv. Then he worked in various jobs. Zechariah was an optimistic, friendly and Simcha fellow. He loved helping others and being with people. His close friends say he was able to find a common language with people of all ages and classes. He loved pranks and stood out for his kindness and sense of humor. Zacharia was drafted into the IDF in July 1975. After completing basic training, he was assigned to serve in the IDF, in the Tel Aviv area, as a truck driver and a mechanic. He was an excellent driver, knew how to handle the car and to operate it properly. Zechariah was not disciplined, but he always knew how to carry out his duties perfectly. He was an example of everything and was admired by his comrades in the unit and by his commanders. On the 26th of Sivan 5736 (24.6.1976) he fell during his service. He was laid to rest in the military section of the cemetery in Holon. Survived by his parents, three sisters and two brothers. “Zechariah served in our unit for a very short period of time, but from the very first days we were impressed by his dedicated work, his discipline and his willingness to help everyone,” the commander of the army said in a letter of condolence to the bereaved family.