Ben Naomi and Benny. He was born on the 27th of Tishrei 5737 (23.10.1976) in Gan Shmuel, the kibbutz where he grew up and studied with the group of toddlers, with whom he grew up and some of whom even enlisted in the IDF. Chen was a mischievous child, with a shy and captivating smile, who liked to travel in nature, take care of animals, and listen to stories. At an early age, he was gifted with the talent of painting and with a light hand he drew animals, landscapes, and people – all he loved. When he reached the right age, Chen began his elementary school studies and continued in high school, at the kibbutz educational institution. At school he saw a restrictive framework, but enjoyed great pleasure in being with his friends, and spent most of his time developing his hobbies – playing and writing. Chen was a very musical boy. The instruments were the drums, and he practiced them for many hours, first with a teacher and then with self-study. Along with playing drums, Chen taught himself to play other instruments – piano, organ, guitar and more. He played in various ensembles and loved to play classical works that he remembered by heart, or melodies of songs he loved from singers from Israel and abroad, and he participated in the orchestra, sang, played, and performed. He wrote two regular sections in the high school, where he used to visit the school, the principal and the teachers, and even wrote about events in Israel and abroad, including songs for the local festival and clips Reflections on life in general, influenced by the books of philosophy, which he liked to read, when it was time to take the Bagger exam He enlisted his family for help and spent many hours with his brother Ofer on mathematics and another language teacher, and he completed his matriculation exams successfully. And spent time with his friends. He took a video camera and loved to spend time in his room – the same incense in the eastern atmosphere to which he continued – playing and listening to good music. In December 1994, Chen enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces in the Armored Corps, but at the end of the course he was very proud and was satisfied with the crew’s work and the ability to control the tank , But only his close friends from the kibbutz and the army knew both sides: a tough and responsible soldier on the one hand, and on the other hand a sensitive and warm guy who likes to write, play and express his deep feelings. Chen’s commander says that his important role was filled with great responsibility and turned out to be a serious and thoughtful person who created a good relationship with his commanders and colleagues alike. Chen was very attached to his family and when he arrived home during his vacations, he shared his experiences with the family, consulted with his father and brothers about his future, and liked to joke and laugh with his brothers and sisters. He fell in the cemetery in Gan Shmuel and left behind his parents and three brothers – Ofer, Tal and Shani – a song Chen wrote in memory of his uncle, who died three years ago. “And there are flowers that are not lost, like the sun, the wind, the sea, and the people who walk from us, and their smiles remain forever.” And like flowers that are meant to rejoice and blossom in another place, And though the separation is so sad / And our tears did not dry on a beloved grave, / Hope only my heart is good there, / Because there are flowers that are not lost / – And will never be swallowed.
