Avishay, Raphael-Zvi

Raphael (Rafi), son of Miriam and Shraga, was born on 19.11.1953 in the Kfar Maccabee group and completed his high school studies at the school in the Zevulun bloc. He was a member of the Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed movement and participated in conferences, trips and camps. He was also a sports fan and excelled he began to engage in underwater fishing. He was gifted with imagination and creativity. To the abandoned objects he liked, Raphi always found a solution: he had renovated them or fashioned them in a new, original figure, and had decorated his room. Raphi was always optimistic and cheerful. In every occupation he saw a new experience, a new discovery and a source of amusement and pleasure. He loved nature, enjoyed working in the garden or traveling with his friends in the various landscapes of the country. On his walks he liked to walk quickly and energetically. He was happy from any discovery of a rare flower or a large edible mushroom. He was handsome, and smiling, and excelled in honesty. Rafi was a loyal son and devoted to his parents and cared for his family. He chose to work in the field of fodder in the kibbutz agriculture and continued to do so until he enlisted in the army. Rafael was drafted into the IDF at the beginning of November 1972. He was first sent to an aviation course and was stationed briefly in the infantry. After his basic training, he was sent to a course for squad commanders, and he participated in the three-day trek, as he was always a long-distance walking enthusiast. He was a responsible and dedicated soldier and served as an examplel for his comrades in carrying out the tasks assigned to him. Out of his love and consideration for his family, he tried not to worry his parents and made sure to write cheerful and optimistic letters home. During his vacations he used to spend his time in Kfar Maccabee, with his family and friends. On the day of the 12th of Tishrei 5734 (October 8, 1973) in the Battle of the Hermon occupied by the Syrians, Raphael was injured in the first assault on the mountain and was killed. He was brought to eternal rest in the Kfar Maccabee cemetery. Survived by his parents and two brothers. After his fall, he was promoted to corporal. His family and his group published a pamphlet in his memory containing the words of friends about his character.