Beharav, Avraham (‘Avi’)

Son of Yehezkel and Bella. He was born on the 27th of Sivan 5703 (June 4, 1953) in the village of Monash. He studied at Nevatim Elementary School in Hadar Am and completed his studies at the regional school in Emek Hefer in the real direction. My father was a diligent student and excelled at all the subjects he had studied, studying the material of his studies, showing great curiosity and researching everything in his life. Micha Ankori, his teacher at the high school, wrote: “In our time, where people specialize in narrow areas of knowledge, Avi’s image was conspicuous, and he strove to break through barriers of normative definitions and reach a more comprehensive picture.” My father was a sports fan, excelled in swimming, and organized the folk dance club in Kfar Monash. His friends say he was a leader and always stood out at parties, studies, and trips. His interest encompassed many areas. He listened to modern and classical music, he could sing and prose on a guitar. He liked to take pictures. My father was serious about his approach to life. Sticking to the goal and going deep into things. There were three things in his mind: love of the pilot, love of the land, and the work of the land. He was a loyal son and devoted to his parents. Helped his parents in agricultural work in the farm and spared no effort. Avi was drafted into the IDF in July 1971 and volunteered to serve as a pilot in the Israel Air Force, after completing basic training and completing a course for air traffic controllers and a course for officers in the air force. He was calm and meticulous, always willing to help and contribute from his experience and strength, and his commanders described him as “a very good officer, with a lot of professional knowledge, efficient and dedicated.” My father tried not to worry his parents, but he never spoke of his difficulties. During his vacations, he used to spend time with his friends from the unit and from the moshav and helped his parents in the agricultural work in his village, and on the 8th of Tammuz 5736 (6.7.1976) he fell in the line of duty. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Kiryat Shaul. Survived by his parents and sister. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, his commander wrote: “My father was a talented and capable pilot with all his future ahead of him.” After his death he was promoted to captain. His parents published a pamphlet in his memory, including the words of his friends and teachers.