Alster, Reuven

Son of Elimelech and Shoshana. Born on the 9th of Kislev, January 20, 1920 in Vienna, capital of Austria. He immigrated to Israel in 1923. He studied at the high school for two years, and from the age of 16, he was a member of the Haganah. In 1936, he joined the Hebrew settlement police; In 1938, he enlisted in a Scottish regiment; In 1940, he joined the British Air Force, and fought in Egypt, Greece, Libya and Singapore. Finally, in 1942, he was captured by the Japanese. Only in 1945, was he released from his captivity, and upon his return to Israel after his discharge from the British army, he enlisted in the Police Force, and was a policeman in Tel Aviv. But not long after, in the midst of the battles in the War of Independence, he asked for his release from the police, in order to give his full service to the benefit of the war. His request was granted. He began his service as commander of the mortars department, and because of his excellence in this position, he was promoted to lieutenant. In November 1949, he was wounded while carrying out his duties, and a week later, on 20th of Cheshvan, November 12, 1949, he died of his wounds. He was laid to rest in the Nachalat Yitzchak Military Cemetery.