Barda, Joseph

Joseph, son of Esther and Zaki, was born on September 19, 1942, in Tripoli, Libya, where he immigrated to Israel in 1964 and settled in Kiryat Gat Joseph was drafted into the IDF in October 1965, and was assigned to the infantry. His outstanding qualities were also discovered during his military service. He was popular with his comrades in the unit and acquired many friends. His commanders trusted him, for he had done his job with precision and perfection. After his discharge from the regular service, he was assigned to a reserve unit of the Armored Infantry, within the Armored Corps. This unit was called for periods of reserve duty and with it fought in the battles for the conquest of El-Arish in the Six-Day War. Yosef began working for Pazgas and was a dedicated and loyal worker. He soon became a technician. He later married Miriam and together with him established his home in Kiryat Gat, where he raised and educated their three children. In his hometown, he was captivated by the sea, and was busy fishing. He did not abandon this love, obtained a fishing license and managed to purchase a motorboat. He used to spend long days at sea, spending his time sailing and fishing. Sometimes he took his family with him and taught them to enjoy his hobby. Joseph was devoted to his family and devoted many hours to caring for his children, their education and their education. He instilled in his family his great love for the country and went with them on trips and tours throughout the country. He took part in social and sports activities in his city and was one of the founders and managers of the Maccabi football team in Kiryat Gat, where he devoted most of his spare time. Joseph was a modest, kind, and Simcha man. He succeeded in acquiring many friends because of his willingness to devote his time and help anyone in need. He was an honest man, pursuing truth and justice and trying to prevent wrongdoing. He knew how to defend his views and tried to convince others of the justice of his views. In most cases, he would have the upper hand, for he could express his opinions with great fervor and faith and a sense of security in his righteousness. His associates point out that the three traits that were unique to Israel were inherent in Yosef – compassion, shyness and benevolence. Indeed, he spent nights and days helping and assisting needy families in Kiryat Gat. When the Yom Kippur War broke out, Joseph rushed straight from the synagogue to his unit, which fought in the battles of containment and break-up against the Egyptians in the Sinai. On October 11, 1973, Yosef was wounded in pursuit of a commando unit of the Egyptians in the northern sector of the Suez Canal in the Qantara region. He died of his wounds on the 22nd of Tishrei 5734 (October 18, 1973) and was brought to eternal rest in the Kiryat Shaul cemetery. He left behind a wife, two sons and a daughter, parents, five brothers and three sisters. After his death he was promoted to corporal.