Argi, Ofer

Ben Shim’a and Sayid. He was born on the 1 st of Tishrei 5707 (October 1, 1974) in Rehovot. The youngest son in a family of twenty brothers and sisters born to his father and his two wives. Ofer spent his early childhood in Kiryat Moshe in Rehovot, where he began his studies. When he was eight, the family moved to Gedera, where he continued his studies at the Ohel Shalom elementary school. From there he continued to high school in the “Solomon’s House” school in Rehovot, in the carpentry track. Ofer liked to study and work, and although he was an introverted boy he bought friends everywhere who loved him, and appreciated his readiness to help whenever needed. Ofer enlisted in the IDF in October 1996, was stationed in the Signal Corps and served in various positions as a driver in the Northern Command, to the satisfaction of his superiors. His first commander said he was “a charming, responsible and mature guy who did his job best.” Soldiers and female soldiers on the staff at which Ofer served knew him as an optimistic and smiling young man. They felt affection for him, and told of a friendly atmosphere he sang about his surroundings. To his closest friends he discovered what was going on deep inside him and opened up to them. The family members note that during his military service he felt that his mental maturity was growing. He enjoys more fun with his family and friends, and is even associated with the company – Sinaia. His love for her knew no limits, he loved her with devotion and with all his might, became attached to her family and especially to her father, and when he died he felt the need to help the family in any way possible. Ofer Rakem plans to live together with his girlfriend, and invested all his love for her. After three years of friendship, the two were forced to leave, and Sonia separated from Ofer, and the two of them had friendly relations. Ofer could not bear the disappointment. He oscillated between the strong desire to overcome the pain and rebuild his life and a suicidal feeling that resulted from disappointment and despair. On the morning of December 25, 1998, Ofer died at the age of twenty-four, leaving behind his parents and nine brothers and sisters Ofer was brought to eternal rest in the military section of the cemetery in Gedera, Wrote to the family: “Ofer showed great responsibility while carrying out his tasks, while showing initiative, caring and professionalism, and he loved to help and help those around him with devotion and diligence … We had a loving relationship and friendship, and I felt that beyond his command,