Cohen, Menachem

Son of Shoshana and Haim Aryeh was born on 22.6.1927 in Kfar Vitkin. After graduating from elementary school and continuing education in Kfar Vitkin, he attended the “Max Payne” vocational school in Tel Aviv and was active in the “HaNoar HaOved” branch there. When he reached the age of 18, he went to a training center in Naan (the Hermesh group), served in the Palmach, and after his group joined the “Hachotrim” group in Kiryat Haim he moved to Palmach’s marine company and took part in courses for its officers. He was involved in training in Sdot Yam and in activities for the immigration of illegal immigrants. In every action, he excelled in self-control and reassured his friends with his confidence. With the outbreak of the War of Independence, he returned to his post and served as deputy commander of the naval base in Haifa. On the 14th of Iyar 5708 (23.5.1948), when he was a commander on the ship “Shark”, who roamed along the shore during the operations to conquer Tantura from the land, Menachem was killed with a bullet fired from his submachine gun while he went to check the condition of the wheel. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Haifa. His father fell in the War of Independence three months before him.