Cohen, Naftali

Naftali was born on 14.6.1953 in Moshav Mishan, near Ashkelon, where he studied in the elementary school in the moshav, and after completing eight classes he chose to continue his studies in an agricultural track at the ” Ben Shemen. “He was a happy child, and he was a good student, and he received excellent manners from his parents’ home, he was a diligent student and graduated elementary school from his native country. “Naftali was a unique student in his class, and succeeded in arousing us all to study and discuss various issues from new perspectives.” Naftali was a sports enthusiast and was active in the Gadna framework. In this framework, he took a number of courses and became a squad commander. When he came home to his parents and brothers and sisters, he helped with the various housework and took care of everything. He was a serious boy in his approach to life, a devoted and loyal son and a loving brother. Naftali was drafted into the IDF in early August 1971, and after completing basic training, he volunteered for Sayeret Shiryon, where he took part in an armored reconnaissance course and a course from reconnaissance patrols. His outstanding qualities were also discovered during his army service. He was a devoted soldier and an excellent commander, who excelled in organizing and initiative and was kind to his commanders and subordinates. During the brief vacations he spent at his parents’ home, he devoted every minute to work. He helped with the housework, took care of a calf, and cultivated the garden. He told his parents and acquaintances about his plans for the future: he wanted to study animal medicine, and was admitted to the University of Haifa. But all the plans were turned down. On Rosh Hashana before the war, Naftali visited his parents’ home in Mishan for the last time. As usual, he took care of their safety, asked to hear what had happened, and even visited some of his good friends. When the Yom Kippur War broke out, his unit was on the northern front, and Naftali acted as commander of an armored patrol on the Golan Heights. For three days, Naphtali fought with his men with great fervor and cold-bloodedness. He did not believe in the victory of our forces over the enemy. On the 9th of Tishrei 5734 (9.10.1973) Naftali was injured and killed in a battle against an enemy ambush in the Bukata area. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery on Mount Herzl. Survived by father, mother, brothers and sisters. After his fall, he was promoted to First Sergeant. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, the commander of the unit wrote: “Your son, Sergeant-Rishon Naftali, served as a non-com in the Armored Corps, and he fulfilled his duties in a manner worthy of special mention. His parents donated a Torah scroll to his synagogue; Teachers and students at the educational institution in Ben Shemen published a pamphlet in memory of graduates of the Mossad who fell in the Yom Kippur War. The booklet also contains the words of friends and educators about Naftali’s character and path.