Betash, Ezra

Son of Avraham and Miriam. He was born in 1934 in Alexandria, Egypt and immigrated to Israel in 1951. He attended elementary school and high school in Alexandria in 1954. In 1954, he was drafted into the IDF and after completing compulsory military service he volunteered to serve in the permanent army. During his service he was promoted to the rank of Major-General and served as a non-commissioned officer in the Israel Air Force. Ezra loved the army very much. Very devoted to his parents and family. He was known to have a good Lev and loved to help others. He had a quiet, comfortable temperament. He always did his duty with devotion and loyalty. He never complained about his distress and his stifling pain in his face. He knew how to bridge between his subordinates and his commanders. The common good was always at the top of his concerns. During his service, he completed his matriculation exams and read a lot of books, especially on military matters. He liked to spend time outdoors, growing plants and animals. He also used to paint for his pleasure and during his spare time he would also engage in fishing. During his army service he participated in the Sinai Campaign, the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War. On the 17th of Iyar 5738 (May 20, 1978) Ezra fell during his service. He was laid to rest in the cemetery in Holon. He left behind a wife, three children, parents, brothers and sisters. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, the unit commander wrote: “Ezra excelled in his role as director and commander, and he performed his work with responsibility and diligence. His family donated books and a chandelier to a synagogue in Rishon Letzion.