Barak (Berkowitz), Yitzhak (Itzik)

Yitzhak, son of Rachel and Abraham, was born In Bucharest, Romania on April 18, 1945. World War II ended a few weeks after his birth and his parents, who were saved from the horrors of the Holocaust, dreamed of immigrating to Israel and settling there. He completed his elementary studies at the “Metzudot” school in Kiryat Shmona and was later sent to the Hana Meisel High School in Nahalal after three years of study and moved to the Yad Natan agricultural school in Acre, Where he was awarded a matriculation certificate and a certificate of certification as an agricultural instructor, a handsome, bright-eyed man, a charming socialite and a healthy sense of humor. After he completed his exams, he had a few months left to enlist in the IDF, and he used the time to teach English and mathematics at an elementary school in Kiryat Shmona. Yitzhak was drafted into the Israel Defense Forces in May 1965. After completing his basic training, he served in the Armored Corps School, and within six months he attained the rank of sergeant, thanks to his dedication and efficiency in carrying out his duties. Sinai In March 1968, Itzik was discharged from the regular army, and thanks to his agricultural training, he received the position of inspector of grain collection at the Ministry of Agriculture, and he was able to purchase the attention of his superiors with great energy and great love for work. In August 1968 he married his girlfriend Miriam and the couple moved to Kiryat Shmaryahu, where his daughter Irit was born. Following the transfer, Itzik moved his job to the Defense Ministry. Being dynamic, friendly and fair, Yitzhak was always chosen by his friends to organize parties and initiate various social events. His main hobby was photography and he shot a lot at every opportunity. He was deeply attached to the house and devoted most of his time to his little daughter. He was also a member of the tennis team and an outstanding player. When the Yom Kippur War broke out, Yitzhak came out of an armored force from the Eliflet area to the front. The force began to climb up the Golan Heights, passed through the Blacksmith region and encountered the enemy. An Armored Corps battle developed in the Armored Corps, at the end of which the unit retreated to the Blacksmith area, rescuing the wounded towards the rear. The tank from which he fought was also hit, but Yitzhak was rescued and moved to another tank. On the following day, the 11th of Tishrei 5734 (7.10.1973), his unit returned and stopped again to block the enemy’s armored forces. At the beginning of the battle Yitzhak’s tank was hit and he was killed. He was brought to eternal rest in the cemetery in Nahariya. He left behind a wife and daughter, parents and brother. After his fall, he was promoted to First Sergeant.