Avilya, Abraham

Son of Shmuel and Bertha. He was born on January 7, 1929 in Marrakesh, in French Morocco. He studied for three years in the “Kol Israel Haverim” school, but because of the poverty of the family he had to go to work in 1941, with everything that his parents wanted to continue his studies. He began working as an apprentice at the printing press of one of the major newspapers in his town, and he also made it easier for the family to suffer. In the meantime, the war of independence and the feeling of loyalty to his people led to his love for his fiancée (who did not want to accompany him to Israel) and even surpassed his duty to his family (which begged him to remain within her as his only supporter). His letters to the house were filled with a national genius and a strong faith, and his younger brother (aged 13), who was infected with his enthusiasm, set out without a passport and visa. He managed to evade the strict criticism of the border guards and to come to Marseilles, where he was assisted by various Jewish associations that sent him to Israel, where his brother, who cared for his existence and studies, awaited him. On April 20, 1949, Abraham fell in battle around Dweima. He was laid to rest in the military section of the cemetery in Rehovot.