Barda, Yaakov (Jackie)

Son of Simcha and Alfonso, he was born on December 12, 1959 in Bat Yam. He was educated at the “Jerusalem” elementary school in his hometown. He worked as a trainee at Bank Leumi and worked there until he joined the IDF. Jackie was a good-hearted and friendly boy, and liked spending his free time with his friends. He was into sports, especially swimming and surfing. Jackie spent the summer with his friends on the beach. He also spent a lot of time at the Kinneret youth club, where he began as an apprentice, and after completing his instructors’ course he served as a counselor. Jackie was well aware of the young boys he guided, and had a friendship with them that continued during his army service. Yaakov was drafted into the Israel Defense Forces in early February 1977. After completing basic training, he was sent to one of the battalions as a rifleman. After discharge, he returned to his parents’ home and worked for a bank in Bat-Yam. In mid-1982, he married his girlfriend Orly, and the two were very happy in their lives together. Jacky was called to reserve duty in Lebanon, and he did everything he had to do to the satisfaction of his commanders. On 7 Elul, August 26, 1982, Yaakov fell in his service, and was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Holon. He left behind a wife, parents, and sister. In his memory, a library and study room were set up in the elementary school where he studied. In addition, a scholarship fund was established in his name for outstanding students in the school.