Elias, Joseph
Son of Refael and Yaffa. He was born on 27.12.1955 in Beit Shean. His father, an immigrant from Persia, worked as a farmer in the kibbutzim of the area. Joseph took his first steps in the Eliahu neighborhood of Beit Shean. When he was five years old, the family moved to Tel Aviv. Yosef studied at the Amiel elementary school and was discovered as a gifted student and among the best students in his class. He had both theoretical and intellectual ability. He was sent to the “Shevach” vocational high school in Tel Aviv and chose the mechanics track there. Four years later, he graduated with excellent grades. Joseph also succeeded in physical training. In the high school he participated in various sports competitions, such as: in a soccer game, in high and long jump, running short and long distances. In the framework of the Gadna, he was particularly active in the field of shooting, and in the high school they recommended that Yosef acquire a diploma from a mechanical technician before he enlisted in the IDF. However, he preferred not to lag behind his friends and fulfill his obligation to serve in the regular army like any other soldier, and then to continue to work in his profession. At the end of January 1974, he passed the gates of the Absorption Absorption Center and began a month-long basic training program. In accordance with his skills, he was assigned to the Ordnance Corps. Has undergone various professional courses. Eight months later he was promoted to the rank of corporal, and later to corporal. The course that gave him his main job in the corps was arming a turret. His work satisfied his commanders. On February 27, 1975, Joseph fell in his service, in a fatal accident, when he was only 19 years old. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Holon. Survived by his parents, three brothers and two sisters. “Your loved one stepped up in the line of duty,” Yosef’s commander wrote to the bereaved parents after his death. “He showed willingness and dedication to work and service, which are noteworthy.”
