Boch, Yishai

Son of Geula and Michal, was born on September 11, 1913, in Petah Tikva, where his father, a pioneer of the Second Aliyah, and his mother, a daughter of Jerusalem, planted love for the homeland and for working life. He worked in orchards and became expert rice, he liked the education and the book, he liked sports and excelled in all his branches as an active member of Maccabi Avshalom, he entered the Haganah at the age of 16 and from then until his last day was active in its ranks, During the 1929 riots he was among the first to guard the settlement. In his twenties, he married a wife and lived a modest and Simcha life. During the 1936-1939 riots he abandoned his work and private affairs and dedicated all his time and energy to the Hagana. He often went to night activities in enemy territory in daring roles. With the outbreak of the War of Independence he left his businesses and his home again, served as a regional instructor and commander of the Armored Corps in the Alexandroni Brigade. All his subordinates loved and respected him for his paternal concern for their safety. On the 5th of Tammuz 5708, after the railway station and the water factory of Rosh Ha’Ayin were occupied by our forces, he headed the company of the Guard Corps to hold the section that was conquered and on the 7th of Tammuz 5707 (July 14, 1948), during a counterattack Of the enemy under artillery fire, fell on guard when his position was hit by a shell and was brought to rest at the military cemetery in Petah Tikva. He left a wife and three sons. After his fall, he was promoted to lieutenant.