Chaver, Ron

Son of Hannah and Shlomo, was born on the 24th of Adar (March 24, 1957) and grew up in Kibbutz Ayelet Hashahar. Ron was a healthy, chubby, cheerful child. His head was streaked with reddish hair and his face was full of freckles. As a child, he stood out in his love for animals and was always ready to take care of them. His goodness was his central quality. He was willing to help the teacher, the nanny or the friend at all times. At a young age Ron enjoyed playing soccer, played for the kibbutz soccer team, and from there moved to play in the Northern Division. His approach to the game was serious and professional, and he persisted in his efforts to improve his physical fitness. His name was later known to fans throughout the Galilee. Ron attended elementary school in Ayelet Hashahar and spent high school in Kfar Blum. He was a quiet, modest boy, a little introverted, but still a member of society, diligent and kind to everyone. He enlisted in Golani, and in this brigade also completed his military service. Because he was an excellent football player, he was offered a non-combat unit, but he refused. Ron participated in Operation Litani, and was considered an expert in the operation of the vessels, as a guide and commander. He returned to the farm to work in cotton. Ron loved the work in cotton and driving on the tractor. He had put all his energy into work, and was working on it until it was perfect. He worked quickly, thoroughly, and with absolute calm. It was only on the soccer field that you could see him tense-that was the thing closest to his heart. After a short stay at the kibbutz, Ron traveled to the United States with a few close friends. On the trip he was discovered as an open person, speaking to strangers and enjoying new people and other ways of life. Ron was called to the war for the peace of Galilee, and he went to it unwillingly. He fell on 2 Tamuz, June 23, 1982, in a face-to-face battle with the Syrians on the Damascus-Beirut highway. According to his commander, “he fell in a difficult battle, and thanks to him and his friends, the enemy was repulsed and the IDF’s control over this road was assured.” Ron was brought to rest at Kibbutz Ayelet Hashahar.