Barzilai, Yuval

Yuval, son of Sarah and Shmuel, was born on 25.11.1941 in Kibbutz Mahanayim,Yuval was drafted into the IDF in late October 1959 and joined his classmates in the Nahal Brigade. When he was on a commanders’ course, he was seriously wounded by the bullet of a comrade, and for a while he hovered between life and death, but eventually he overcame danger and recovered, but his health was impaired and he was no longer fit to serve in a combat unit. He attached great importance to military service and strove to continue his service in the IDF and was sent to a paramedics course. In this capacity he can express his love for man and his willingness to help others. He fulfilled his duties with responsibility and devotion and was admired by his commanders and his comrades in the unit. During the period of his service, he was careful not to worry his parents who were anxious for his well-being and often to write home and reassure them. In 1963, Yuval was released and returned to the kibbutz. In 1966 he left for a year of service at Kibbutz Gezer in order to help establish a new kibbutz settlement. Where Yuval was discovered at full capacity. He was involved in all areas of life in the agriculture and to a great extent even directed them and was a sort of “crowned” place. He took in new seeds, guided them through agricultural work, hosted them in his room, and when necessary he was also an arbitrator and a judge. In his good spirit and enthusiasm he caught up with everyone in the heat of work and they worked with him without any expense or time. He was active in the secretariat and the various committees, organizing sports and cultural life. In 1969, the nuclear group dispersed in Gezer and Yuval returned to his farm and began working in the dairy industry. Where he met again with the animals he loved, worked with devotion and was proud of any achievement in the industry, as if this were his personal achievement. He became involved in the life of the agriculture and worked in the field of cinema and sports and was responsible for sports equipment. For many hours of his free time, he devoted himself to this occupation and did more than the burden on him. He regularly volunteered to drive the adults and boys to basketball games and the children for training and swimming competitions, and when the coach was absent, he also took his place. In 1972 he married Gila and together they established a warm and loving home. He was often called up for reserve duty and after a stubborn struggle, he managed to improve his medical profile, to undergo a course for combat medics and to participate in the Six-Day War. When she broke inYom Kippur War Yuval participated with his unit in the battles in the Golan Heights. On the 17th of Tishrei 5734 (October 13, 1973), he went to treat the wounded under heavy shelling in the Mazra’at Beit Jann area, where he was killed. He was laid to rest in the cemetery of Kibbutz Yifat. Survived by a wife, parents and sisters. After his fall, he was promoted to sergeant.