Bello, Shimon

Son of Machluf and Margalit. He was born on May 16, 1957 in Tiberias. He studied at the Remez and Isser Brenner elementary schools in Tel Aviv and later studied electrical engineering. Shimon was a sports fan and was a goalkeeper at Hapoel Tel Aviv. He liked to read books and listen to music. Was a devoted son to his family and helped to support the household. In May 1957, he was drafted into the IDF and assigned to the infantry. “Balu was a personality in his own right,” wrote one of his colleagues at the service. “In the most difficult times, it was his demeanor that raised the morale of society. He is a leader, and when he decides to do something, no matter what, there are always volunteers to follow. He trusted all his friends. You knew that if you were next to him, you did not have to worry. “He was worried about everything, he was like a father and a mother,” said another member of the service. He cooked great food.. They always wanted to be ‘Shimon’s friend.’ “On Friday, March 15, 1978, Shimon’s friends and commanders admired him as a man and as a real soldier. He was laid to rest in the cemetery in Holon. Survived by his parents, brothers and sister. In a letter of condolence he sent to the bereaved family, then-defense minister Ezer Weizman wrote: “Corporal Shimon Bello gave his life for his homeland, he was an excellent soldier in his battalion, a model friend and loved by everyone who knew him.” His direct commander wrote: “We all liked Shimon and his laughter and his cheerfulness, he was a loyal friend and friend of all those around him.” His parents published a pamphlet in his memory with friends’ words about his character.