Ben Yaakov, Rafi (“Reiko”)

Son of Moshe and Regina. Born on December 15, 1941 in Kibbutz Ein Hahoresh, where he grew up and was educated. He was a member of Hashomer Hatzair and recognized the importance of the youth movement. He studied at the Ma’ayan educational institution in Ein Hahoresh, and during his studies he discovered his talents, especially in the fields of painting and sculpture. He worked on his work and created figurines from Guir and afterwards from other materials such as plaster, stone and wood. In all his actions – sculpture, drawing or picture. His athletic activity was a complement to all his activities: he joined the Tabor and the Sea of ​​Galilee several times. In the farm he concentrated the staff of the orchard for about two years, and there he discovered his ability to manage a team of workers and consolidate them into one unit. He took over the branch of the orchard and its employees, you worked together with conviction, good will and a pleasant laugh. His leadership did not stem from his powers, because his subordinates admired and loved him. The same was true in the army. In all his actions and activities, peace and tranquility prevailed; His practice was without self-advertisement or prominence. His personal and social integrity and his great sincerity in all his actions preceded him. After he fell, it was discovered that he was also writing and leaving his estate, leaving valuable prose and poetry. Rafi was also active in dance. He was drafted into the IDF in mid-August 1960 and assigned to the Nahal Brigade. After two years of activity in the kibbutz movement, he became active in the movement throughout the country, and was involved in education for scouting, recognition of the country and its knowledge that he saw a device It was important to instill love in the country, and he organized camps for scouts, tours and tours throughout the country, and he knew every valley and mountain there, and he loved the whole world, his friends, his children and the country. He was rooted in the landscape of the country and loved the corners of grace hidden in it, and in his estate there are photographs of us In September 1969, he married his father, a member of his kibbutz, and two months later, at the end of November 1969, he was called up for active reserve duty and only two weeks later, On December 16, 1969, he fell when the enemy shelled the Suez Canal. He was laid to rest in the cemetery in Ein Hahoresh. The commander of the unit wrote to the family that Rafi was one of the best commanders in my unit: “Rafi was one of the best commanders in my unit, and the way he found his death, when they came to rescue a wounded soldier with heavy shelling, attests more than anything to his character and qualities as commander and friend of his subordinates “Rafi served in my unit for several years and fulfilled his duties with talent and loyalty, quietly and modestly,” we, his friends, will always remember him and continue with the mission for which he gave his life. ” In “Maznim” magazine (March 1970), Abba Kovner published a poem called “Finger on a Mirror” – and dedicated to Rafi; To mark the anniversary of his death, Niva Lanir, in the literary supplement of “Al Hamishmar”, published a poem entitled “Rafi will not let” dedicated to Rafi; In the booklet “Shadmot” spring 1971, a story was published by Elisha Porat called “parking in the morning” dedicated to Rafi.