Son of Aryeh and Hannah. Was born on July 16, 1951 in Sde Eliyahu, a religious group in the Beit She’an Valley. His parents, who came from Germany and Italy, were among the pioneers who established the place of the remote settlement and were subject to constant danger. Raphael studied in the elementary and high school of kibbutzim in the Beit Shean Valley. He did well in his studies. When he finished high school, he remained for about half a year until his enlistment and began to work in the farm. The work was clear to him that since childhood he had been involved in everything in the farm, especially in the cowshed where every cow had recognized it. He did not miss a single milk inspection and assisted in the escape. He had a weakness for animals and was among those eager to buy and care for horses. It was said of him, of Rafi, that those who pity animals, not in order to receive reward from them, testify that they were given with kindness. And if his attitude towards animals is so, how much more so his relationship to the people, the people of his surroundings: revealed to them a loving and sensitive Lev, an open eye to the plight of the other and used to help a friend in distress. Everything he did, he did with a laugh of joy. It was impossible to scold him for the mischievous and prankish acts that so much to play with, for the things shattered into his Lev laugh that instantly swept his interlocutors. When he witnessed a quarrel, he intervened, as a magic wand, turning the tension and nervousness into general laughter. It was impossible to be angry with Rafael. However, Rafael also knew how to be serious and to show responsibility when necessary. These virtues came to light during his military service, when he was assigned difficult and responsible duties. For the life of the army, she trained Rafi not only the atmosphere of the warm national-religious home that grew up in him, but also the athletic activity he had engaged in from his childhood with enthusiasm and perseverance. He was crowned the adult youth champion of the religious sports organization Elitzur. From the age of 15 he excelled in the fields of high jump, long jump and triple jump, and won titles in various sporting events. He was also active in the basketball team of Sde Eliyahu, a group that is now named after him. In early 1969, Rafael was drafted into the IDF as part of the Nahal Brigade. He went through basic training and a squadron commander and rose to the rank of Corporal. Another course gave him the right to wear the jumper’s wings. He entered the Infantry Officers Course and was very successful – was promoted to lieutenant colonel and later promoted to lieutenant.In the meantime, he passed on to the parachute infantry. Succeed in what he is doing; A developed sense of responsibility; Fitness-analysis-good situations. “1.12.72” A good, efficient, disciplined and dedicated officer who performs his duties impeccably; Ehud, and accepted by his soldiers. “The sympathy of his soldiers stemmed from his warm, anxious and simple attitude toward them, while maintaining his equality when he arranged the work, the guard duty, etc. There was no objection to the orders he gave because the soldiers knew he would not give unnecessary orders. Twice, at the request of his superiors, Rafi extended his compulsory service under permanent-service conditions, and one of his duties was to appoint him as commander of the Gitit outpost in the Jordan Valley. He knew how to lead the patterns of life and routine in the hold that had served her for a long time. “When the Yom Kippur War broke out, Rafi and his parachutist unit went to the Sinai front and crossed the canal, and during this difficult period, one of his comrades said:” During the most difficult times of the shelling, I saw Raphael dressed in tefillin and prayer shawl. Hearing the cries of the wounded, I saw him running, exposed to the barrage of shells, to help the wounded. He always moved at the head of the force and without hesitation, while taking care of the soldiers next to him, so that they would not be harmed. His mere presence gave me a sense of security in those difficult moments. “Raphael married his choice of Lev – Chava – from Kibbutz Tirat Zvi. They had a daughter-in-law whom he had lavishly loved. Another child was about to be born, and then a disaster occurred – during training as part of an active reserve service, on the 17th of Elul 5737 (April 4, 1974), Raphael fell in the line of duty. He was brought to eternal rest in the land of Elijah. He left behind a wife, daughter, parents, six sisters and a brother. Later his son, who was given the name Lior-Raphael, was born. The family and the group published a memorial book containing many testimonies about Raphael’s life and deeds
