Ben-Arroyo, Dror
Dror, son of Rachel and Abraham, was born on the 27th of Sivan 5761 (27.6.1951) in Ramat Gan. He studied at the “Zichron Yosef” elementary school in Haifa and completed his studies at the Reali High School in Haifa. From a young age Dror had an unquenchable thirst for life. When he was a teenager, he often said he wanted a memorable experience every day. He discovered the beauty of the Carmel, built airplanes, assembled engines and took many photographs with his Nikon F camera. One of his original photos was published in the “Israel Year of Photography 1970”.
Dror was an adventurer in the best sense of the word, with a thirst for life and a thirst for experience. He loved the sea and the desert, and was full of curiosity, creativity, and a desire to discover new things. He was universally recognized as a sociable and loving person.
During his high school years, Dror spent two years with his family in NYC, where he marvelled at its vast urban beauty, its people and the technological innovations.
Dror was drafted into the IDF in mid-July 1969 and volunteered for the infantry. After completing basic training and completing a course for squad commanders, he was sent to the Infantry Officers Course and completed it successfully. He was assigned to the Golani Brigade as a platoon commander and was awarded the rank of lieutenant. He was a dedicated officer, devoted and responsible, and above all, loved by his soldiers. According to his commander, he excelled in instructing his soldiers and was a good-natured leader. Dror was proud of his unit and the “Golani” symbol – a green-rooted tree. It was not only on his shoulder but also in his heart. After his discharge from regular service, Dror succeeded in obtaining entry into Engineering studies at the Technion in Haifa. When the Yom Kippur War broke out, Dror was on a trip to the United States, spending time with the love of his life. On hearing of the war, Dror immediately changed his plans and got on the first available flight that he could find back to Israel. He was initially assigned to teach soldiers how to use shoulder-launched anti-tank missiles in Sinai. On completing this assignment Dror and two of his comrades begged to join the forces crossing the Suez Canal into Egypt. None of the commanders agreed to take them since they did not belong to these forces. They returned home to rest for the night, before seeking out their original unit in the north, which was preparing for an attack to reconquer Mount Hermon. Early morning of 22 October 1973, Dror was killed by a sniper in the Battle of the Hermon and his comrade was severely injured.
Dror was laid to rest in the Haifa cemetery, leaving behind his parents and sister.
