Arbib, Mordechai (Chai)

The son of Mordechai and Selma was born in Hadera on January 18, 1951. Mordechai was named after his father, who died in Tripoli, Libya, before the family immigrated to Israel. At first the family lived in the “Shvut Am” transit camp, and later moved to Netanya. Seven of his brothers died, and only Mordechai and his sister Nitza survived. He began studying at the Tachkemoni religious public school in Netanya, but due to the difficult conditions at home he was prevented from studying regularly – he was forced to stop his studies and went to work at an early age. He worked in various construction jobs and before his enlistment worked in a diamond polishing factory. He gave all his salary to his mother. Mordechai was drafted into the IDF at the beginning of May 1969 and was appointed as a driver in the Israel Air Force, and was ordained as a driver of a fuel tanker for refueling airplanes and fulfilled his duties perfectly. “In late May 1972, Mordechai was discharged from the regular service, but half a year later he was accepted to the army for permanent service. His commanders wanted to advance him and sent him to the military school for education, where he expanded his knowledge and filled what he had missed in his youth. On May 27, 1975, Mordechai fell during his service. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Netanya. Survived by a mother and sister. His family donated a Torah scroll to the Hesed Ve’Amet Synagogue in Netanya, to commemorate his memory. His name, photo and memorials were presented in the book “Yizkor for our children,” which was published by the Netanya Municipality in memory of the city’s people who fell in Israel.