Arbib, Raphael (Larry)

Rafael (Larry) Arbib was born on April 7, 1927 in Tripoli, Libya, to a large family, and after graduating high school he decided to immigrate to Eretz Israel. On March 11, 1947, he boarded an illegal immigrant ship, hidden in an empty tank of fuel. At first he worked in the city, but soon moved to Kibbutz Sde-Nahum, immediately succeeding in integrating himself into kibbutz life. Rafael joined the Palmach and fought to protect the convoys on the way to Jerusalem. On March 31, 1948, a large convoy was organized near Hulda. A delay in organizing the convoy due to mishaps and mud on the way enabled the Arab forces to organize and block the convoy, which was forced to withdraw during the battle. In this battle, Rafael fell on the 20th of Adar 5748 (31.3.1948), one year after his arrival, and was brought to eternal rest in the cemetery in Hulda.