Ami (Awami), Yosef
Son of Tzvia and Shalom, he was born on the 13th of Kislev 5721 (December 2, 1960) in Ashkelon. Yosef attended the Gordon Elementary School in Ashkelon and completed his studies at the agricultural school in Kfar Silver. Yosef was drafted into the IDF in early February 1980 and volunteered for the Paratroopers Brigade, where he was trained as a regular combat soldier. He fulfilled his duties impeccably, was evaluated by his commanders and even promoted to the rank of First Sergeant. With the outbreak of the Peace for Galilee War, his brigade advanced to Lebanon and took part in battles, pursuits and encounters with terrorists. On 29 Av, August 18, 1982, First Sergeant Yosef fell in combat in Lebanon and was brought to eternal rest in the military section of the Givat Zion cemetery in Ashkelon. He left parents, three brothers and two sisters. In a letter to the family, the defense minister said that Yossi was “a devoted soldier, full of spirit of volunteerism and joy of life, served as liaison with the battalion commander’s command and was loved by everyone.” His commander wrote, among other things: “Yossi symbolized everything we are looking for – and find – an Israeli young man: willpower, volunteerism, mutual help and good spirit.”
