Cohen, Shimon

Shimon (Shimi), the son of Julia and Yechezkel, was born on May 9, 1949 in Bnei Brak. He graduated from the Lapidot School in Bnei Brak and later moved to Kibbutz Yiftach in the Galilee. He was a nice-hearted boy, friendly and friendly to all his friends. He was a good student and an excellent athlete, and excelled in riding horses. He had a special attitude and a wise and profound approach to horses, and he was considered one of the best riders on the kibbutz, especially in the hurdles industry. Shimi was also known for his sincere willingness to help every person in times of trouble and in his efforts to do for others as best he could. When he completed his studies at Kibbutz Yiftach, Shimi returned to his city and worked there to save money for his army service. Shimon was drafted into the Israel Defense Forces in early May 1967. After completing his basic training, he was sent to the “Improved Centurion” tank course at the Armored Corps School, completing a series of courses and winning excellent grades. The commander of the tank commanders’ course, who also received a high grade as an outstanding trainee, wrote: “A very good, responsible and disciplined commander.” At the beginning of May 1970, Shimi was released from regular army service. When he returned to civilian life, Shimi worked in various occupations. He worked as a carpenter, driving a tractor and painting. But in all that he sent his hand, he became strong and saw a blessing. About a month after his release he married his girlfriend Naomi. The two initially lived in a rented apartment, but were registered to live in young couples and made a lot of efforts to establish their economic status. They also took good care of the future of their children, Yehezkel and Shalom, who were born one after the other. Shimi was a model husband to his wife and a devoted father to his two sons. When the Yom Kippur War broke out, Shimi was at home, for his Lev told him that Yom Kippur was not meant for a synagogue. The summons came to him and he immediately went to his unit in the south and participated in the braking battles against the Egyptians. In the battle that took place on the 8th of Tishrei 5734 (October 8, 1973) in the Canal sector, his tank was hit and he was killed. For months it was not known for certain and he was declared missing. The family watched the news from the captivity, or any information, but in vain. Later his body was discovered and it turned out that Shimi had fallen along with the entire crew of the tank. He was brought to eternal rest in the cemetery in Kiryat Shaul. He left behind a wife and two sons, a father, three sisters and a brother. After his fall, he was promoted to First Sergeant. In his letter to the grieving family, his commander, Assaf Yaguri, wrote about him: “Your son, Sgt. Rishon Cohen, Shimon, served in an armored unit under my command. I met him in reserve duty as a courageous young man, who fulfilled all the tasks that were imposed on him with the discovery of supreme heroism and self-sacrifice. He was fond of all his commanders and comrades in arms, and his fall was a heavy loss to our unit. In my name and in the name of all the soldiers of the unit, I express our deep sorrow and share in your great mourning. I hope that this bloody war will pave the way for true peace, in which you will find your consolation. “Words in his memory are included in the book” The First Walkers “- the Natka Brigade, and in a book that was published by the family in memory.