Cohen, Ryszard (‘Rico’)

Edward and Jean’s youngest son. He was born on September 11, 1955 in Alexandria, Egypt. After Operation Kadesh, the family immigrated to Israel and lived for several months in the Sha’ar Ha’Aliya transit camp near Haifa. The harsh living conditions in the Sha’ar HaAliya transit camp and in the Bat Yam transit camp, where the family moved, did not leave their mark on Ryszard, who grew up and became an alert, cheerful and happy boy. Rico studied at the Yad Mordechai State School in Ramat-Yosef and moved to a youth group in Kibbutz Givat Oz. Ryszard was drafted into the IDF at the end of July 1973, and with his friends in the nucleus he volunteered for Nahal. After basic training, the Yom Kippur War broke out, and Ryszard was transferred to the Armored Corps. In this corps, he successfully completed a tank-related course (grade 86!). Ryszard was very attached to his parents, and when his unit was transferred to Sinai, he asked to be transferred to a place of service near the house. His request was rejected, but Rico did not fall in spirit and did his job to the satisfaction of his superiors. He received the war signal and the operational service signal. On December 26, 1974, Ryszard fell in the line of duty. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Kiryat Shaul. Survived by his parents, three sisters and two brothers. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, his commander wrote: “I know what Rico was for you, I knew the wonderful qualities that were in him, the kindness, the desire to help, friendship and friendship for the crew of the tank and the company. And shows interest in the various tank training and systems and everything gets a smile of understanding. ” His family commemorated the donation of a bookcase and the establishment of a library in his name in the school he studied in Ramat Yosef.